Pei er Leaving
PriS011
STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS, No. 1
SABBATH
SCHOOL
LESSON
IR
CO )
Senior Division, No, 290, Fourth Quarter, 1967
(E
BC
Yost
-
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the
study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to
give vigor to the factilties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If
God's Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind,
a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."
—Steps to Christ,
page 90.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge
myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School
lesson each day of the week.
Name
Lesson Titles for .,the Quarter
1.
The Great Commission; the Twelve Apostles
2.
The Outpouring of the Holy Spiriv
3.
The Healing of the Lame Man`
4.
The First Persecution
5.
The Spirit of God at Work
6.
The Second Persecution
7.
The Seven Deacons
8.
The Third Persecution; the Martyrdom of Stephen
9.
Missionary Expansion: From Judea to Samaria
10.
The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
11.
The Ministry of Peter
12.
Peter Renders an Account; the Word at Antioch
13.
The Fourth Persecution; an Attack on James and Peter
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 290, October-December, 1967. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a
year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.
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Copyright, 1967, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
COVER: JOHN STEEL, ARTIST; © P. P. P. A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS, No. I
Lesson 1, for October 7, 1967
The Great Commission; the Twelve Apostles
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Acts
1.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea,
and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:8.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," chapters 1 to 3; "Testimonies," Vol. 8,
pp. 19-23; "The Desire of Ages," chapter 87; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To emphasize the gospel commission and the promise
of the power of the Holy Spirit to carry it out; to show the conscious unity of
the disciples after the Lord had left them to go to heaven.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday: Questions 10-12.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. The Closing Scenes of Christ's Life
1.
Proofs of Christ's resurrection.
Acts 1:3.
2.
The expectation of the disciples.
Acts 1:6, 7.
3.
The promise of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:5, 8.
4.
Awaiting the fulfillment. Luke
24:49.
5.
The gospel commission. John 15:
26, 27; Matt. 28:19, 20 ; Luke
24:48; Acts 1:8.
6. The Lord's ascension. Acts 1:9,
10, 12.
7. The promise of Jesus' return. Acts
1:11.
II. The Church Assembled
8. The disciples:
a.
The Eleven named. Acts 1:13.
b.
The believers numbered. Acts
1:15.
9. The meeting in the upper room.
Acts 1:13, 14.
10. The need for another disciple.
Acts 1:16-22.
11. The qualifications of Judas's
successor. Acts 1:22.
12. The choice made. Acts 1:23-26.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Christ had been crucified
as the Sin Bearer for men and to offer
salvation to all by God's grace. He had
risen from the dead, and during the forty
days had met from time to time with His
disciples. He convinced the Eleven beyond
L3
1
all doubt that He had risen, and He in-
structed them further in the gospel. Now
the Saviour again promises the Holy Spirit.
He ascends to heaven, and the church,
awaiting the baptism of the Spirit, further
organizes its leadership.
Places:
Olivet, or the Mount of Olives,
a
"Sabbath-day's journey" (about three
quarters of a mile) from Jerusalem and
near the village of Bethany, the home of
Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. The "upper
room" in Jerusalem, probably the room
where the Last Supper was eaten, and
supposed by many to be in a house owned
by a believing woman, the mother of John
Mark and sister to Joses Barnabas.
Persons:
Jesus Christ; two angels;
eleven apostles, with Peter a spokesman;
Matthias.
Interesting Term:
"Bishopric." The word
is used as a translation of the Greek of
which "overseership" is a far better ren-
dering. The apostles were not bishops in
the usual meaning of the word. The words
"elder," "overseer," and "bishop" are used
interchangeably in the New Testament for
the office of elder or "presbyter." See Acts
20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-7.
Authorship of the Book:
Compare Acts
1:1 with Luke 1:1-4. The "former," or
first, treatise is Luke's Gospel. Luke is the
Lucas of Philemon 24 and Paul's traveling
companion and "the beloved physician" of
Colossians 4:14. The book of Acts covers
almost thirty-two years of the develop-
ment of the early church.
The Closing Scenes of Christ's Life
1.
What were some of the many
"proofs" given to the disciples? What
did Christ teach the disciples? Acts 1:3.
2.
What question was still in the
minds of the disciples? How did Jesus
answer it? Acts 1:6, 7. Compare Matt.
20:20-23; 24:3; Luke 17:20.
NoTE.—"The apostles had entertained
the common opinion of the Jews about the
temporal
dominion of the Messiah. They
expected that He would reign as a prince
and conqueror, and free them from the
bondage of the Romans. Many instances
of this expectation occur in the Gospels,
notwithstanding all the efforts which the
Lord Jesus made to explain to them the
true nature of His kingdom. This expecta-
tion was checked, and almost destroyed
by His death; Luke xxiv. 21. And it is
clear that
His death
was the only means
which could effectually check and change
their opinions respecting the nature of His
kingdom. Even His own instructions would
not do it; and only His being taken from
them could direct their minds effectually to
the true nature of His kingdom. Yet, though
His death checked their expectations, and
appeared to thwart their plans, yet His
return to life excited them again. . . . And
as they did not doubt now that .He
would
restore the kingdom to Israel, they asked
whether He would do it
at this time?
They did not ask whether He would do it
[at]
all, or whether they had correct views
of His kingdom; but taking that for
granted, they asked Him whether
that was
the time
in which He would do it. The
emphasis of the inquiry lies in the expres-
sion,
'at this time,'
and hence the answer
of the Saviour refers solely
to the point
of their inquiry,
and not to the correctness
or incorrectness of their opinions."—Albert
Barnes,
Notes on the Acts of the Apostles,
Acts 1:6.
3.
What divine Person did Jesus
promise would come and abide with
the disciples? Acts 1:5, 8. Compare
John 14:16, 17, 26; 16:13-15; 20:22.
NorE.—Since Christ had ascended, the
Holy Spirit, as soon as He was given, was
to be the divine Person ever present. Every-
where throughout the book of Acts the
Spirit is the living guide, counselor, and
strengthener of the believers. We meet Him
on every page, in every incident.
4.
Concerning this promise, what
had Christ bidden the disciples do?
Luke 24:49.
NorE.—It is not an easy thing to wait,
especially during a time of crisis. But the
disciples needed strength beyond their own
poor power.
L 4 3
"In obedience to Christ's command, they
[the disciples] waited in Jerusalem for the
promise of the Father—the outpouring of
the Spirit. They did not wait in idleness.
The record says that they were 'continually
in the temple, praising and blessing God.' "
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 35.
5.
What commission would the
Holy Spirit enable the church to
carry out? How far afield was the
Christian witness to be carried? John
15:26, 27; Matt. 28:19, 20; Luke 24:
48; Acts 1:8.
NOTE.—"The events of Christ's life, His
death and resurrection, the prophecies
pointing to these events, the mysteries of
the plan of salvation, the power of Jesus
for the remission of sins—to all these things
they had been witnesses, and they were to
make them known to the world. They were
to proclaim the gospel of peace and salva-
tion through repentance and the power of
the Saviour."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 27.
6.
What miraculous event closed
Christ's earthly career? From what
place did He leave the earth? Acts
1:9, 10, 12. Compare Luke 24:50-52.
Nort.—"All heaven was waiting the hour
of triumph when Jesus should ascend to
His Father. Angels came to receive the
King of glory and to escort Him trium-
phantly to heaven. After Jesus had blessed
His disciples, He was parted from them."—
Early Writings,
page 190.
7.
What assurance did two angels
bring? Acts 1:11.
NOTE.—The return of Christ is as certain
as were His birth, His life on earth, His
death, His resurrection, and His ascension.
Each is as sure as the other. They stand
together as a glorious whole.
The Church Assembled
8.
Name the apostles who saw
Jesus ascend. How many believers
were in Jerusalem at the time? Acts
1:13, 15.
9.
Where did the church meet, and
for what purpose? Acts 1:13, 14.
NOTE.—"These days of preparation were
days of deep heart searching. The disciples
felt their spiritual need and cried to the
Lord for the holy unction that was to fit
them for the work of soul saving. They
did not ask for a blessing for themselves
merely. They were weighted with the bur-
den of the salvation of souls. They realized
that the gospel was to be carried to the
world, and they claimed the power that
Christ had promised."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 37.
10.
What had the suicide of Judas
made necessary? Acts 1:16-22.
11.
What experience would qualify
the man who was to become the
twelfth apostle? Acts 1:22.
NOTE.—A man was to be chosen from
among "those who had witnessed the life
and works of Christ, and who were there-
fore qualified to discharge the duties of the
office from which Judas fell."—Albert
Barnes,
Notes on the Acts of the Apostles,
Acts 1:21, 22.
12.
Who was chosen in Judas's
place, and by what method? Acts
1:23-26.
NOTE.—"By the casting of the lot. This
word is . . .
a calculus, or pebble,
by which
. . . lots were cast. It means, that
by the
result of the lot,
he was reckoned as an
apostle. Nothing further is related of Mat-
thias in the New Testament. Where he
labored, and when and where he died, is
[5]
unknown, nor is there any tradition on
which reliance is to be placed. The election
of Matthias throws some light on the
organization of the church. 1. He was
chosen to fill the place vacated by Judas,
and for a specific purpose, to be a
witness
of the resurrection of Christ. There is no
mention of any other design. It was not
to ordain men exclusively, or to rule over
the churches, but to be a witness to an
important fact. 2. There is no intimation
here that it was designed that there should
be
successors
to the apostles in the peculiar
duties of the apostolic office."—Albert
Barnes,
Notes on the Acts of the Apostles,
Acts 1:26.
"In plotting against Christ, the rabbis
were not doing the works of Abraham. A
mere lineal descent from Abraham was of
no value. Without a spiritual connection
with him, which would be manifested in
possessing the same spirit, and doing the
same works, they were not his children.
"This principle bears with equal weight
upon a question that has long agitated the
Christian world,—the question of apostolic
succession. Descent from Abraham was
proved, not by name and lineage, but by
likeness of character. So the apostolic suc-
cession rests not upon the transmission of
ecclesiastical authority, but upon spiritual
relationship. A life actuated by the apostles'
spirit, the belief and teaching of the truth
they taught, this is the true evidence of
apostolic succession. This is what consti-
tutes men the successors of the first teach-
ers of the gospel."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 466, 467.
Lesson 2, for October 14, 1967
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 2.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having
received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth
this, which ye now see and hear." Acts 2:33.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," chapters 4 and 5; "Testimonies," Vol. 7,
pp. 31-33; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To enable us to know with what power the Holy Spirit
came; how intimately He was united with the church; how the stream of
gospel truth flows from the Old Testament into the New; how surely Christ
Jesus is the Lord of all, and how certainly He saves.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday:
Questions
13-15.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Monday: Questions 5-9.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions 10-12.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. The Coming of the Spirit
1. The closeness of Christian fellow-
ship. Acts 2:1.
6
2.
The manifestation of the Spirit.
Acts 2:2, 3.
3.
The gift of tongues. Acts 2:4.
4.
The sojourners in Jerusalem.
Acts 2:6-12.
II. Peter's Defense
5.
The cause of spiritual joy.
Acts 2:15, 16.
6.
Old Testament prophecies of the
Spirit. Acts 2:17, 18.
7.
Who crucified the Lord. Acts 2:
22, 23.
8.
Death could not hold Christ.
Acts 2:24.
9.
Prophecies of the resurrection.
Acts 2:25-28, 30-32.
10.
The psalmist looked beyond him-
self. Acts 2:29, 34.
11. The ascension and the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:33-36.
III. The Way of Salvation
12. The convicting power of the Spirit.
Acts 2:37.
13. Repentance, baptism, and the
Spirit. Acts 2:38-41, 47 (last part).
IV. The Progress of the Church
14. The church's faithfulness and de-
votion. Acts 2:42, 43, 46, 47.
15. The common purse. Acts 2:44, 45.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
"The Spirit came upon the
waiting, praying disciples with a fullness
that reached every heart. The Infinite One
revealed Himself in power to His church.
It was as if for ages this influence had been
held in restraint, and now Heaven rejoiced
in being able to pour out upon the church
the riches of the Spirit's grace. And under
the influence of the Spirit, words of peni-
tence and confession mingled with songs of
praise for sins forgiven."-The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 38.
Places:
The "upper room" where 120 be-
lievers have been praying for the gift of the
Holy Spirit; the streets of Jerusalem,
where the Spirit-filled apostles preached;
the temple in Jerusalem.
Persons:
The Holy Spirit; the twelve
apostles, with Peter again a spokesman; a
growing company of believers.
Interesting Terms:
"Pentecost." So
named from the Greek for "fiftieth," be-
cause the early summer harvest celebration
of the Jews fell fifty days, or seven weeks
(the seven Sabbaths of Lev. 23:15, 16),
after the first Sabbath of the spring Feast
of Unleavened Bread. Pentecost was there-
fore known also as the Feast of Weeks.
Christ arose on the day when the sheaf of
barley was waved as the firstfruits, which
was the day following the first Sabbath of
Unleavened Bread (Lev. 23:10-12; 1 Cor.
15:20). Fifty days later, inclusive reckon-
ing, came Pentecost. Christ had appeared to
His disciples during forty days following
the resurrection and then ascended to
heaven. Therefore ten days elapsed after
the ascension until the outpouring of the
Holy Spirit, which time the believers spent
in prayer and heart-searching.
"Hell." The Greek is
hades,
the "place of
the dead," and should be translated, in
reference to Peter's usage, "grave."
The Coming of the Spirit
1.
How close was the fellowship of
the disciples on the Day of Pentecost,
A.D. 31? Acts 2:1.
2.
How did the Holy Spirit mani-
fest His coming? Acts 2:2, 3.
NOTE.-(a) The sounding of a mighty
wind;
(b)
the filling of all the house with
the Presence;
(c)
distributing tongues of
fire to each disciple;
(d)
speaking with
tongues by the disciples.
3.
With what spiritual gift did the
Holy Spirit endow the apostles? Acts
2:4. Compare 1 Cor. 12:28.
NorE.-The gift was not a gift of hear-
ing, but a gift of tongues, useful in the
gospel ministry, and in contrast to any
unintelligible babbling. See 1 Corinthians
14. "Every known tongue was represented
by those assembled. This diversity of
languages would have been a great hin-
drance to the proclamation of the gospel;
17
God therefore in a miraculous manner
supplied the deficiency of the apostles. The
Holy Spirit did for them that which they
could not have accomplished for them-
selves in a lifetime. They could now pro-
claim the truths of the gospel abroad,
speaking with accuracy the languages of
those for whom they were laboring. This
miraculous gift was a strong evidence to
the world that their commission bore the
signet of Heaven. From this time forth
the language of the disciples was pure,
simple, and accurate, whether they spoke in
their native tongue or in a foreign lan-
guage."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
39, 40.
4.
From what distant lands were
the Jews then assembled in Jeru-
salem? Acts 2:6-12.
NOTE.—"During the dispersion the Jews
had been scattered to almost every part
of the inhabited world, and ill their exile
they had learned to speak various lan-
guages. Many of these Jews were on this
occasion in Jerusalem, attending the reli-
gious festivals then in progress."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
page 39.
Peter's Defense
5.
How did Peter show that the
disciples' activity was due to the Spirit
and not to intoxication? Acts 2:15, 16.
Compare Eph. 5:18.
NorE.—The Jews in the time of Christ
reckoned the hours separately for day and
night, counting twelve hours to the day
beginning at sunrise, and the same number
for the night beginning at sunset. See
"If Christians were to act in
concert, moving forward as
one, under the direction of
one Power, for the accom-
plishment of one purpose,
they would move the world."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 9, p. 221.
Matthew 20:3-9; John 1:39; 4:6, 52; Acts
23:23. The "third hour" of the day cor-
responded to about 9 a.m. in modern reck-
oning.
6.
What Old Testament prophecy
foretold the outpouring of the Spirit?
Acts 2:17, 18. Compare Joel 2:28, 29.
7.
Whom did Peter blame for the
crucifixion of his miracle-working
Lord? Acts 2:22, 23.
8.
Why could not Christ be held in
death? Acts 2:24.
NOTE.—The mystery of Christ's resur-
rection cannot be explained by human rea-
soning. "When the voice of the mighty
angel was heard at Christ's tomb, saying,
Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour came
forth from the grave by the life that was
in Himself. Now was proved the truth of
His words, 'I lay down My life, that I
might take it again. . . . I have power to
lay it down, and I have power to take it
again.' Now was fulfilled the prophecy He
had spoken to the priests and rulers, 'De-
stroy this temple, and in three days I will
raise it ,up.' John 10:17, 18;
2:19."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 785.
Christ was sinless and therefore could
not be held in death. Romans 6:23; Luke
23:4, 14; John 19:4, 6; 1 Peter 2:22.
"Could one sin have been found in Christ,
had He in one particular yielded to Satan
to escape the terrible torture, the enemy of
God and man would have triumphed.
Christ bowed His head and died, but He
held fast His faith and His submission to
p. 761.
9.
What Scriptures did Peter quote
to show that Christ could not remain
in the tomb? Acts 2:25-28, 30-32. Com-
pare Ps. 16:8-11.
NoTE.—"Peter did not refer to the teach-
ings of Christ to prove his position, because
he knew that the prejudice of his hearers
L
3
was so great that his words on this subject
would be of no effect. Instead, he spoke to
them of David, who was regarded by the
Jews as one of the patriarchs of their na-
tion."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 41.
10.
What is the evidence that the
psalmist was not speaking of himself?
Acts 2:29, 34.
11.
How does Peter associate the
outpouring of the Spirit with Christ's
enthronement at the right hand of
the Father? Acts 2:33-36.
NOTE.—"Christ's ascension to heaven
was the signal that His followers were to
receive the promised blessing. For this they
were to wait before they entered upon
their work. When Christ passed within the
heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst
the adoration of the angels. As soon as this
ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit
descended upon the disciples in rich cur-
rents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even
with the glory which He had with the
Father from all eternity. The Pentecostal
outpouring was Heaven's communication
that the Redeemer's inauguration was ac-
complished. According to His promise He
had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to
His followers as a token that He had, as
priest and king, received all authority in
heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed
One over His people."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 38, 39.
The Way of Salvation
12.
How did this Spirit-filled ser-
mon affect the hearers? Acts 2:37.
NOTE.—"Now they heard the disciples
declaring that it was the Son of God who
had been crucified. Priests and rulers
trembled. Conviction and anguish seized the
people. . . . Among those who listened to
the disciples were devout Jews, who were
sincere in their belief. The power that ac-
companied the words of the speaker con-
vinced them that Jesus was indeed the
Messiah."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page
43.
13.
What progressive steps in sal-
vation did Peter describe for the con-
science-stricken Jews? With what re-
sult? Acts 2:38-41, 47 (last part).
NOTE.—The steps outlined by Peter were
(a)
repentance, that is, a change of mind
and heart in respect to one's past way of
life, 2 Corinthians 7:9-11;
(b)
baptism,
that is, immersion as a symbol of the wash-
ing away of sins and arising to newness of
life, Romans 6:3-7;
(c)
receiving the gift
of the Holy Spirit as a necessity in the
Christian experience, Romans 8:11, 14.
The Progress"of the Church
14.
What acts of faithfulness and
devotion characterized the church af-
ter Pentecost? Acts 2:42, 43, 46, 47.
NOTE.—(a) Following the apostles' teach-
ing;
(b)
entering into godly fellowship;
(c)
giving praise to God;
(d)
continuing
steadfast;
(e)
doing "wonders and signs."
15.
How did the infant church pro-
vide for the needy believers? Acts
2:44, 45.
NOTE.—"Many of these early believers
were immediately cut off from family and
friends by the zealous bigotry of the Jews,
and it was necessary to provide them with
food and shelter. . .
"Those among the believers who had
money and possessions cheerfully sacri-
ficed them to meet the emergency."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 70.
"God calls upon us to burst
the bands of our precise, in-
door service. The message of
the gospel is to be borne in
the cities and outside of the
cities."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, p. 84.
9
Lesson 3, for October 21, 1967
The Healing of the Lame Man
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 3.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be
blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the
Lord." Acts 3:19.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 57-60; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To help us to learn more of the power of the Holy
Spirit in healing men's bodies and souls, to find a renewed faith in the coming
of "the times of restitution," and to experience the needful preparation of
heart.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
0
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
0
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
0
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
0
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. The Circumstances of the Healing
1.
Peter and John go to worship in
the temple. Acts 3:1, 2.
2.
Peter heals in the name of Jesus.
Acts 3:3-6.
3.
The healed man worships in the
temple. Acts 3:8, 9.
II. The Effect of the Miracle
4.
An event known to all. Acts
3:10, 11.
5.
Christ the healer. Acts 3:12, 13,
16.
III. The Privilege of the Gospel
6. The Jews crucified Christ. Acts
3:14, 15.
7.
Christ as Saviour, man's only hope.
Acts 3:17-19 (first part).
8.
Christ portrayed as the suffering
Sin Bearer. Acts 3:18, 22-24.
9.
Preparation for the time of
restitution. Acts 3:19-21.
10.
Christ is Mediator and heavenly
Priest. Acts 3:21; Heb. 9:24.
IV. The Covenant Promises
11.
The Hebrews a privileged people.
Acts 3:25 (first part).
12.
Christ and the Abrahamic promise.
Acts 3:25 (last part).
13.
The gospel and the Jews.
Acts 3:26.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
"They brought daily to the
Beautiful gate of the temple a lame beggar,
who asked alms of all that entered (vers.
2, 3). What a striking contrast is here!-the
large, strong, handsome gate, wrought by
the most skillful workmen, intended to add
beauty and attractiveness to the magnifi-
cent temple, an object of keen, universal
admiration; and, laid down at the foot of
it, a poor, ill-clad, deformed, helpless beg-
gar, fain to find a miserable existence by
asking the pity of all that passed through.
Such contrasts has sin introduced into this
world."-The
Pulpit Commentary,
Acts,
Vol. 1,
p.
98.
[101
Places:
The Beautiful Gate and Solo-
mon's porch of the temple in Jerusalem.
Persons:
A lame man who had never
walked; John; Peter, again a spokesman.
The Circumstances of the Healing
1.
Where, and why, were Peter and
John going to worship when the
lame man was healed? Acts 3:1, 2.
NoTE.—The temple was not a synagogue,
but the magnificent temple in Jerusalem
built by Herod the Great (John 2:20)
around the remains of the temple built by
Zerubbabel 500 years before (Ezra 5:2).
The Christian Jews were during the period
of the book of Acts still worshiping at the
temple, as well as attending Sabbath ser-
vices in the synagogues (Acts 15:19-21).
This continued some years after the typical
forms of worship had been rendered mean-
ingless by Christ's death on the cross. Com-
pare Daniel 9:24-27 and Matthew 27:
50, 51.
2.
What reply did Peter make to
the lame beggar? What did he have?
Acts 3:3-6.
NoTE.—Natural gifts, education,, and an
adequate budget are very good things to
use in the service of God. But there is one
basic essential: That is the personal pos-
session, by the workers in the gospel, of
Jesus Christ the Son of God. When He is
received, every other needed gift is supplied.
3.
How did the man when healed
use his new-found physical powers?
Acts
3:8,
9.
The Effect of the Miracle
4.
How widely did this miracle be-
come known? Acts 3:10, 11.
5.
To whom did Peter give full
credit for what happened? Acts 3:12,
13, 16. Compare John 15:5; Phil. 4:13.
The Privilege of the Gospel
6.
Of what did Peter accuse the
Jews? Acts 3:14, 15. Compare Acts
2:23.
7.
What hope did Peter offer his
troubled listeners? Acts 3:17-19 (first
part). Compare Acts 2:38.
8.
What had been prophesied con-
cerning Christ? Acts 3:18, 22-24. Com-
pare Isa. 53; Ps. 22; Zech. 13:6, 7.
9.
For what great event was the
repentance of guilty men to be a
preparation? Acts 3:19-21.
"Every day some portion of
the time should be appro-
priated•to the study of the
lessons."—Counsels on Sab-
bath School Work,
page 53.
NOTE.—"The great work of the gospel is
not to close with less manifestation of the
power of God than marked its opening.
The prophecies which were fulfilled in the
outpouring of the former rain at the open-
ing of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in
the latter rain at its close. Here are 'the
times of refreshing' to which the apostle
Peter looked forward when he said: 'Re-
pent ye therefore, and be converted, that
your sins may be blotted out, when the
times of refreshing shall come from the
E 11 ]
presence of the Lord; and He shall send
Jesus.'
"—The Great Controversy,
pages
611, 612.
"I saw that none could share the 're-
freshing' unless they obtain the victory
over every besetment, over pride, selfish-
ness, love of the world, and over every
wrong word and action. We should, there-
fore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the
Lord and be earnestly seeking that prepara-
tion necessary to enable us to stand in the
battle in the day of the Lord. Let all re-
member that God is holy and that none
but holy beings can ever dwell in His
presence."—Early
Writings,
page
71.
10.
From the time of the ascension
to the second advent, what position
does Christ occupy, and what ministry
does He perform? Acts
3:21;
Heb. 9:
24. Compare Heb. 4:14-16; 5:5-10; 7:
24 to 8:2; 1 Tim. 2:5.
The Covenant Promises
11.
What was to have been the
privileged position of the Hebrews?
Acts 3:25 (first part). Compare Rom.
3:1-4.
12.
What promise to Abraham has
Christ fulfilled? Acts 3:25 (last part).
13.
To what people did the gospel
of the new covenant first come? Acts
3:26. Compare Rom. 2:9, 10.
NOTE.—"The Jews stood forth distinct
from all other nations, professing allegiance
to God. They had been specially favored
by Him, and they laid claim to righteous-
ness above every other people. But they
were corrupted by the love of the world
and the greed of gain. They boasted of their
knowledge, but they were ignorant of the
requirements of God, and were full of
hypocrisy. Like the barren tree, they spread
their pretentious branches aloft, luxuriant
in appearance, and beautiful to the eye, but
they yielded 'nothing but leaves.' The Jew-
ish religion, with its magnificent temple,
its sacred altars, its mitered priests and im-
pressive ceremonies, was indeed fair in
outward appearance, but humility, love,
and benevolence were lacking."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
pages 582, 583.
Lesson 4, for October 28, 1967
The First Persecution
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 4:1-33.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Acts 4:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 60-69; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To understand how and why persecution comes, and
to share in the courage and devotion of those who have undergone it, and
are now undergoing it; to find Christ anew
-
as the only means of salvation
from sin.
[12
1
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday: Questions 12-14.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Monday: Questions 4-8.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions 9-11.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Opposition to the Gospel
1.
The apostles arrested. Acts 4:1-3.
2.
Many conversions secured.
Acts 4:4.
3.
Commanded not to preach.
Acts 4:5-7.
4.
The certainty of the healing.
Acts 4:14, 21 (last part), 22.
II. Steadfastness Under Persecution
5. The Holy Ghost strengthened
Peter. Acts 4:8 (first part).
6.
Christ did the healing. Acts 4:8-10.
7.
The guilt of the Jews. Acts 4:10, 11.
Ill. Christ the Only Saviour
8.
Only Christ can save. Acts 4:12.
9.
The disciples had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:13.
IV. The Gospel Again Proclaimed
10.
Christ must be preached.
Acts 4:18-20.
11.
Prayers for boldness in the gospel.
Acts 4:29, 30.
12.
Empowered for service. Acts 4:31.
13.
Unity in the church. Acts 4:32.
14.
The message of the resurrection.
Acts 4:33.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
The priests were angry with
the apostles for preaching. "The ground
of their grief was as much
the fact
that
they
should presume to instruct the people,
as the
matter
which they taught them.
They were offended that unlearned Gali-
leans, in no way connected with the priestly
office, and unauthorized by
them,
should
presume to set themselves up as religious
teachers.
They
claimed the right to watch
over the interests of the people, and to de-
clare who was authorized to instruct the
nation. It has been no unusual thing for
men in ecclesiastical stations to take ex-
ceptions to the ministry of those who have
not been commissioned by themselves. Men
easily fancy that all power to instruct
others is lodged in their hands; and they
oppose others simply from the fact that
they have not derived their authority from
them.
The true question in this case was,
whether these Galileans gave proof that
they were sent by God. The fact of the
miracle in this case should have been satis-
factory."-Albert Barnes,
Notes on the
Acts of the Apostles,
Acts 4:2.
Places:
The temple in Jerusalem; a
prison; the meeting place of the Jewish
The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in the
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Sanhedrin; the meeting place of the church.
Persons:
Annas and Caiaphas, before
whom Jesus had stood trial (John 18:13,
14) ; John and Alexander, Sadducees from
among the chief priests, and leaders in the
Sanhedrin; John the apostle, and Peter,
again a spokesman.
Interesting Terms:
"Sadducees." These
were the liberals among the Jews, with
leanings toward Greek culture, ready to
compromise with Rome and unwilling to
believe in supernatural beings, such as
angels, nor in the miraculous; hence they
rejected the resurrection. Acts 23:8.
"Captain of the temple." This officer was
chief of police of the temple guard, prob-
ably a special company of the Levites.
Nehemiah 11:11 speaks of a "ruler of the
house of God."
Opposition to the Gospel
1.
Why were the apostles placed
under arrest? Acts 4:1-3.
2.
What results did God give to
the apostles' preaching? Acts 4:4.
3.
What did the leaders of the Jews
ask the apostles? Acts 4:5-7.
NoTE.—The inquiry inferred that the
apostles might have performed their work
on the lame man by magic, much believed
in at that time, or through the power of
evil spirits. See Matthew 12:22-32. Hence
the demand for proof of the apostles' au-
thority. The hearing was before the San-
hedrin, the council of seventy, the high-
est authority among the Jews, yet without
direct political control since the Romans
were ruling Palestine.
4.
What clear evidence was there
that the man had actually been healed?
Acts 4:14, 21 (last part), 22.
NoTE.—The man had been healed in the
presence of a crowd of worshipers at the
"After the tithe is set apart,
let gifts and offerings be ap-
portioned, 'as God hath pros-
pered'
you."—Counsels on
Sabbath School Work,
page
130.
temple gates. Acts 3:2. When he was healed,
he leaped and hurried with shouts of praise
into the temple and was seen by many.
Acts 3:7-10. At the hearing before the
Sanhedrin, the healed man was himself
present, a visible proof of the miracle that
had been performed.
Steadfastness Under Persecution
5.
What was the source of Peter's
strength during this time of trial?
Acts 4:8 (first part).
6.
To whom did the apostles give
glory for the miracle of healing?
Acts 4:8-10.
NOTE.—"This courageous defense ap-
palled the Jewish leaders. They had sup-
posed that the disciples would be overcome
with fear and confusion when brought be-
fore the Sanhedrin. But, instead, these
witnesses spoke as Christ had spoken, with
a convincing power that silenced their ad-
versaries. There was no trace of fear in
Peter's voice as he declared of Christ, 'This
is the stone which was set at nought of you
builders, which is become the head of the
corner.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
pages
63, 64.
7.
With what crime did Peter
charge the Jewish leaders? Acts 4:10,
11. Compare Acts 2:23; 3:13-15.
Christ the Only Saviour
8.
What marvelous gospel truth
did Peter state? Acts 4:12.
[ 14 ]
NOTE.—"Like Nicodemus, we must be
willing to enter into life in the same way as
the chief of sinners. Than Christ, 'there is
none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved.'
Acts 4:12. Through faith we receive the
grace of God; but faith is not our Sav-
iour. It earns nothing. It is the hand by
which we lay hold upon Christ, and ap-
propriate His merits, the remedy for sin.
And we cannot even repent without the
aid of the Spirit of God. The Scripture
says of Christ, 'Him bath God exalted
with His right hand to be a Prince and a
Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel,
and forgiveness of sins.' Acts 5:31. Re-
pentance comes from Christ as truly as
does pardon.
How, then, are we to- be saved? 'As
Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilder-
ness,' so the Son of man has been lifted
up, and everyone who has been deceived
and bitten by the serpent may look and
live."—The Desire of Ages,
page 175.
9.
What divine fellowship gave
boldness to the apostles? Acts 4:13.
The Gospel Again Proclaimed
10.
When ordered not to preach
Christ, what was the apostles' reply?
Acts 4:18-20.
NorE.—"We are not required to defy
authorities. Our words, whether spoken or
written, should be carefully considered, lest
we place ourselves on record as uttering
that which would make us appear antag-
onistic to law and order. We are not to
say or do anything that would unneces-
sarily close up our way. We are to go for-
ward in Christ's name, advocating the
truths committed to us. If we are forbid-
den by men to do this work, then we may
say, as did the apostles, 'Whether it be right
in the sight of God to hearken unto you
more than unto God, judge ye. For we
cannot but speak the things which we have
seen and heard.'
"—The Acts of the Apos-
tles,
page 69.
11.
Instead of asking for their own
safety, for what did the apostles pray?
Acts 4:29, 30.
12.
How did God answer these
prayers? Acts 4:31.
13.
How was the unity of the
church manifested in spiritual mat-
ters? Acts 4:32.
14.
To what event did the apostles
bear witness? What attended their
preaching? Acts 4:33.
NorE.—"Under their labors were added
to the church chosen men, who, receiving
the word of truth, consecrated their lives
to the work of giving to others the hope
that filled their hearts with peace and
joy. They could not be restrained or intim-
idated by threatenings. . . .
"So mightily can God work when men
give themselves up to the control of His
Spirit.
"The promise of the Holy Spirit is not
limited to any age or to any race. Christ
declared that the divine influence of His
Spirit was to be with His followers unto
the
end."—The Acts of the Apostles,
pages
48, 49.
LESSON QUARTERLIES FOR THE BLIND
The senior Sabbath School lessons, slightly condensed, are published
each quarter in Braille and supplied free to the blind upon request.
Address: Christian Record Braille Foundation, Inc., Box 6097, Lincoln,
Nebraska 68506.
[ 15 ]
Lesson 5, for November 4, 1967
The Spirit of God at Work
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts
4:34 to 5:16.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto
the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," chapter 7; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show how dangerous it is to grieve the Holy Spirit;
and to teach that even adverse circumstances can work to the glory of God.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions
1,
2.
Monday: Questions 3-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8, 9.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Generosity in the Church
1.
Generosity in caring for the needy.
Acts 4:34, 35.
2.
Contrast between Barnabas and
Ananias. Acts 4:36 to 5:2.
II. The Deceit and Punishment of
Ananias and Sapphira
3.
The extent of their falsehood.
Acts 5:2-4.
4.
A lie to the Holy Spirit. Acts
5:3, 4, 9.
5.
Sapphira equally guilty with
Ananias. Acts 5:7-9.
6. Punishment by death. Acts 5:5
3
6,
9, 10.
7. Justifiable fear. Acts 5:11 (first
part).
III. The Effect Upon Church and Public
8. A wholesome respect for the church
and its work. Acts 5:11, 13 (last
part).
9. Protected from insincerity.
Acts 5:13 (first part).
IV. The Gospel Proclaimed
10. Preaching at the temple. Acts
5:12 (last part).
11. Miracles wrought. Acts 5:12 (first
part).
12. The sick brought for healing.
Acts 5:15, 16.
13. Many believers added. Acts 5:14.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
"The converts to the gos-
pel were 'of one heart and of one soul.'
One common interest controlled them—the
success of the mission entrusted to them;
and covetousness
had
no place in their
lives. Their love for their brethren and
the cause they had espoused, was greater
than their love of money and possessions.
Their works testified that they accounted
the souls of men of higher value than
earthly wealth. .
.
"In sharp contrast to the example of
benevolence shown by the believers, was
the conduct of Ananias and Sapphira,
whose experience, traced by the pen of
Inspiration, has left a dark stain upon
the history of the early church."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
pages 70, 71.
[16]
Places:
The meeting place of the church
in Jerusalem ; Solomon's porch at the tern-
ple ; the streets of the city.
Persons:
Joses Barnabas, a Jew of Cy-
prus and a Levite, a convert to Christ and
future companion of Paul the apostle;
Ananias and Sapphira, husband and wife
who died' because of their hypocrisy and
deception; Peter; the multitude.
Generosity in the Church
1.
In what way is the generosity of
the believers again referred to? Acts
4:34, 35. Compare 2 Cor. 9:7.
NOTE.—"It would be improper to press
it so as to suppose, that every individual
that became a Christian sold at once all
his property. The sense doubtless is, that
this was done
when it was necessary;
they
parted with whatever property was need-
ful to supply the wants of their poor
brethren. That it was by no means con-
sidered a matter of
obligation,
or enjoined
by the apostles, is apparent from the case
of Ananias, ch. v. 4. The fact that
loses
is particularly mentioned (ver. 36), shows
that it was by no means a universal prac-
tice thus to part with all their possessions.
He was
one
instance in which it was done.
Perhaps there were many other similar
instances; but all that the passage re-
quires us to believe is, that they parted
with whatever was
needful
to supply the
wants of the poor."—Albert Barnes,
Notes
on the Acts of the Apostles,
Acts 4:34.
2.
Contrast the character of Barna-
bas with that of Ananias and Sap-
phira, as shown in their giving. Acts
4:36 to
5:2.
"Never should the Bible be
studied without prayer. Be-
fore opening its pages we
should ask for the enlighten-
ment of the Holy. Spirit, and
it will be
given."—Steps to
Christ,
page 91.
NOTE.—"Here we have the generous,
sympathetic Son of Consolation on the
one side, and here, too, we have a warning
and a type for all time that the tares must
evermore be mingled with the wheat, the
false with the true, the hypocrites with
real servants of God, even until the final
separation. The accidental division of the
book into chapters hinders casual readers
from noticing that the action of Ananias
and his wife is set by the writer over
against that of Barnabas. Barnabas sold
his estate and brought the price, the whole
price, and surrendered it as an offering
to the church. The spirit of enthusiastic
giving was abroad, and had seized upon
the community; and Barnabas sympa-
thized with
it."—The Expositor's Bible,
1947 ed., Vol. 5, p. 345.
The Deceit and Punishment
of Ananias and Sapphira
3.
In what did Ananias and Sap-
phira's falsehood consist? Acts 5:2-4.
4.
To whom was their lie pri-
marily directed? Acts 5:3, 4, 9.
NOTE.—"God hates hypocrisy and false-
hood. Ananias and Sapphira practiced fraud
in their dealing with God; they lied to the
Holy Spirit, and their sin was visited with
swift and terrible judgment."—The
Acts of
the Apostles,
page 72.
5.
Why was Sapphira punished?
Acts 5:7-9.
6.
What dire punishment fell upon
the guilty pair? Acts 5:5, 6, 9, 10.
NOTE.—"Infinite Wisdom saw that this
signal manifestation of the wrath of God
was necessary to guard the young church
from becoming demoralized. Their num-
bers were rapidly increasing. The church
[ 17
would have been endangered if, in the rapid
increase of converts, men and women had
been added who, while professing to serve
God, were worshiping mammon. This judg-
ment testified that men cannot deceive
God, that He detects the hidden sin of the
heart, and that He will not be mocked. It
was designed as a warning to the church,
to lead them to avoid pretense and hypoc-
risy, and to beware of robbing God."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 73, 74.
7.
In what spirit did the church ac-
cept the judgment upon Ananias and
Sapphira? Acts 5:11 (first part).
The Efl•ect Upon Church
and Public
8.
What was the effect upon the
church and the general public? Acts
5:11, 13 (last part).
NOTE.—"From the stern punishment
meted out to those perjurers, God would
have us learn also how deep is His hatred
and contempt for all hypocrisy and de-
ception. In pretending that they had given
all, Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy
Spirit, and, as a result, they lost this life
and the life that is to come. The same
God who punished them, today condemns
all falsehood. Lying lips are an abomina-
tion to Him. . . .
"In the case of Ananias and Sapphira, the
sin of fraud against God was speedily
punished. The same sin was often repeated
in the after history of the church and is
committed by many in our time. But
though it may not be attended by the
visible manifestation of God's displeasure,
it is no less heinous in His sight now than
in the apostles' time. The warning has been
given; God has clearly manifested His
abhorrence of this sin ; and all who give
themselves up to hypocrisy and covetous-
ness may be sure that they are destroying
their own souls."—The
Acts of the Apos-
tles,
pages 75, 76.
9.
Who feared to be associated with
the apostolic company? Acts 5:13
(first part).
NOTE.—The "rest" may mean Jews in
some position of influence and leadership,
since the church held with the apostles;
and "the people," that is, the general Jew-
ish populace, were glad at hearing the
gospel message.
The Gospel Proclaimed
10.
At what place was the witness
of the apostles given? Acts 5:12 (last
part).
11.
What occurred to increase the
interest and respect of the people?
Acts 5:12 (first part).
12.
How extensive was the work of
healing? Acts 5:15, 16.
13.
What was the result? Acts 5:14.
NOTE.—"In Jerusalem, where the deepest
prejudice existed, and where the most con-
fused ideas prevailed in regard to Him who
had been crucified as a malefactor, the
disciples continued to speak with boldness
the words of life, setting before the Jews
the work and mission of Christ, His cruci-
fixion, resurrection, and ascension. Priests
and rulers heard with amazement the clear,
bold testimony of the apostles. The power
of the risen Saviour had indeed fallen on
the disciples, and their work was accom-
panied by signs and miracles that daily
increased the number of believers. Along
the streets where the disciples were to pass,
the people laid their sick 'on beds and
couches, that at the least the shadow of
Peter passing by might overshadow some
of them.' Here also were brought those
vexed with unclean spirits. The crowds
gathered round them, and those who were
healed shouted the praises of God and
glorified the name of the Redeemer."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 77, 78.
[
183
Lesson 6, for November 11, 1967
The Second Persecution
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 5:16-40.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We
ought to obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," chapter 8; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To learn again the providences of God through His
angels, the privilege of witnessing for Christ, and the necessity of standing
firmly for the Lord, no matter how determined and powerful the opposition.
DAILY
STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday: Questions 13, 14.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
0
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
0
Tuesday: Questions 8-12.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. The Apostles Imprisoned and
Delivered
1.
The arrest. Acts 5:16-18.
2.
Liberation by an angel. Acts 5:19.
3.
Preaching again at the temple.
Acts 5:20, 21 (first part).
II. The Jewish Authorities Frustrated
4.
The Jewish leaders bewildered.
Acts 5:21 (last part), 22, 23, 25.
5.
The Temple police cautious.
Acts 5:26.
6.
The accusations against the apos-
tles. Acts 5:27, 28.
7. A fundamental principle of re-
ligious liberty. Acts 5:29.
III. Proclaiming the Gospel
8. Peter's charge concerning the
crucifixtion of Christ. Acts
5:30 (last part).
9. The resurrection. Acts 5:30 (first
part).
10. Christ's saving grace. Acts 5:31.
11. Witnessing for Christ. Acts 5:32
(first part).
12. The blessing of the Holy Spirit
upon the obedient. Acts 5:32 (last
part).
IV. The Apostles Set Free
13. The counsel of Gamaliel. Acts
5:33-39.
14. The scourging. Acts 5:40.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Following the death of
Ananias and Sapphira there came great
fear on the church, and great power for
public witness. The latter aroused stub-
born opposition to truth on the part of
the Jewish leaders. This gave opportunity
for God to send angel intervention. This
lesson reveals the courage and resolution of
the apostles, who are obligated to preach
the gospel, no matter how stern the for-
biddings. Obedience to God must take
precedence. A Jewish philosopher arrives at
a face-saving compromise.
Places:
The meeting place of the Sanhe-
drin in Jerusalem; a prison; the porticoes
of the temple.
Persons:
An angel; the high priest; the
Sadducees; the captain of the temple;
L
19 I
Gamaliel, a leading Pharisee and great
theologian, teacher of Paul (Acts 22:3) ;
the apostles; Peter, again a spokesman.
Interesting Terms:
"Sect." The transla-
tion of a word meaning "choice," from
which the word "heresy" is also derived.
The word means a group holding a particu-
lar view or views, usually different from
that of the majority of the people. The
word is often used in contempt.
"Doubted." Better, "were in perplexity."
The Apostles Imprisoned and
Delivered
1.
What happened to the apostles
because of previous remarkable oc-
currences? Acts 5:16-18.
2.
What divine agency came to the
apostles' rescue? Acts 5:19.
3.
Where were they directed to go,
and what were they to preach? Acts
5:20, 21 (first part).
The Jewish Authorities Frustrated
4.
Not knowing that the apostles
were released from prison, what did
the Jewish leaders do? What were
they told? Acts 5:21 (last part), 22,
23, 25.
NOTE.—"They [priests and rulers] were
aware that many who did not accept the
teachings of Christ were weary of the
arbitrary rule of the Jewish authorities
and anxious for some change. The priests
feared that if these dissatisfied ones were
to accept the truths proclaimed by the
apostles, and were to acknowledge Jesus
as the Messiah, the anger of the entire
people would be raised against the re-
ligious leaders, who would then be made to
answer for the murder of Christ. They de-
cided to take strong measures to prevent
this.
"When they sent for the prisoners to be
brought before them, great was their
amazement at the word brought back that
the prison doors were found to be securely
bolted and the guard stationed before them,
but that the prisoners were nowhere to be
found."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
80, 81.
5.
Of what did the temple police
stand in fear? Acts 5:26.
NOTE.—"The people were favorable to
the apostles. If violence had been at-
tempted, or they had been taken in a cruel
and forcible manner, the consequence
would have been a tumult, and bloodshed.
In this way, also, the apostles showed that
they were not disposed to excite tumult.
Opposition by them would have excited
commotion; and though
they
would have
have been rescued, yet they resolved to
show that they were not obstinate, con-
tumacious, or rebellious, but were disposed,
as far as it could be done with a clear
conscience, to yield obedience to the laws
of the land."—Albert Barnes,
Notes on the
Acts of the Apostles,
Acts 5:26.
6.
Of what defiant acts did the
Jewish leaders accuse the apostles?
Acts 5:27, 28.
NOTE.—"This, though not so designed,
was an honorable tribute to the zeal and
fidelity of the apostles. When Christians
are arraigned or persecuted, it is well if
the only charge which their enemies can
bring against them is that they have been
distinguished for zeal and success in propa-
gating their religion; see 1 Pet. iv. 16."—
Albert Barnes,
Notes on the Acts of the
Apostles,
Acts 5:28.
"The Sabbath School should
be one of the greatest instru-
mentalities, and the most ef-
fectual, in bringing souls to
Christ."—Counsels on Sab-
bath School Work,
page 10.
[20
]
The expression "bring this Man's blood
upon us" has obvious reference not only
to Peter's repeated charge that the Jewish
leaders brought about Christ's death (Acts
2:23 ; 3:15; 4:10), but also to their own
assumption of that blame at Christ's trial
(Matt. 27:25).
7.
What great principle of religious
liberty did the apostle Peter then set
forth? Acts 5:29.
NoTE.—"When in 1529 the German
princes assembled at the Diet of Spires,
there was presented the emperor's decree
restricting religious liberty, and prohibiting
all further dissemination of the reformed
doctrines. It seemed that the hope of the
world was about to be crushed out. Would
the princes accept the decree? Should the
light of the gospel be shut out from the
multitudes still in darkness? Mighty issues
for the world were at stake. Those who had
accepted the reformed faith met together,
and their unanimous decision was, 'Let us
reject this decree. In matters of conscience
the majority has no power.' ...
"This principle we in our day are firmly
to maintain. The banner of truth and re-
ligious liberty held aloft by the founders
of the gospel church and by God's wit-
nesses during the centuries that have
passed since then, has, in this last con-
flict, been committed to our hands. The
responsibility for this great gift rests with
those whom God has blessed with a
knowledge of His Word."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 68, 69.
Proclaiming the Gospel
8.
With what offense did Peter again
charge the Jews? Acts 5:30 (last part).
Compare Acts 2:23; 3:13-15; 4:10.
9.
Who raised Christ from the
dead? Acts 5:30 (first part).
10.
What gracious work was the
risen Saviour to accomplish? Acts 5:31.
NOTE.-"
'From the highest throne of
glory to the cross of deepest woe' He had
come; now He reascended from the grave
to the throne, to the seat of heavenly
power and blessedness. He has become an
enthroned Redeemer, a sovereign Saviour,
(1) occupying the foremost place in heav-
enly rank, (2) dispensing salvation to the
lost children of men, and (3) receiving the
willing homage, the affectionate service of
the multitude He has redeemed. What more
honorable, enviable, blessed position can we
conceive than that of One who, seated in
the very highest post of honor, is conferring
the best of all imaginable boons, and is
receiving, in return, the freest, richest, most
rejoicing worship and service of His re-
deemed, both of those who are about His
person 'in the heavens,' and of those also
who are serving Him and striving to fol-
low Him below
?"—The Pulpit Commen-
tary,
Acts, Vol. 1, pp. 167, 168.
11.
What divine and human wit-
nesses acclaim the merits of the glori-
fied Saviour? Acts 5:32 (first part).
NoTE.—The Holy Spirit convicts men as
a divine witness (John 16:7-11). Under
the power of the Spirit converted men be-
come in turn living witnesses of what the
Saviour of men can accomplish in human
hearts.
12.
What great blessing comes as
a result of obeying God? Acts 5:32
(last part).
NorE.—"The descent of the Holy Ghost
to endow them with remarkable gifts (ch.
ii. 1-4), to awaken and convert such a
multitude (ch. ii. 41; iv. 4; v. 14), was an
unanswerable attestation of the truth of
these doctrines, and of the Christian reli-
gion. So manifest and decided was the
presence of God attending them, that
they
could have no doubt that what they said
was true; and so open and public was this
attestation, that it was an evidence to all
the people. of the truth of their doctrine."
—Albert Barnes,
Notes on the Acts of the
Apostles,
Acts 5:32.
21 ]
The Apostles Set Free
13.
What was Gamaliel's argument
in favor of the apostles? Acts 5:33-39.
14.
What mistreatment did the
apostles suffer as they were released?
Acts 5:40.
NOTE.
-"When the Jews inflicted this
punishment [of scourging] the culprit was
tied to a pillar in the synagogue; the ex-
ecutioner, armed with a scourge of three
distinct lashes, inflicted the punishment;
while an official standing by read selected
portions of the law between each stroke.
Thirteen strokes of the threefold scourge
was equivalent to the thirty-nine stripes.
This was the flogging the apostles suffered
on this occasion."-The
Expositor's Bible,
1947 ed., Vol. 5, p. 355, footnote.
Lesson 7, for November 18, 1967
The Seven Deacons
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts
5:41 to 6:8.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Cor. 14:40.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," chapter 9; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To explain the origin and function of the office of
deacons, a very important group in the organization of the church.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-11.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-14.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson
Outline:
1
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Preaching the Gospel of Salvation
1.
The joy of witnessing. Acts 5:41.
2.
The message of the apostles.
Acts 5:42.
II. The Care of the Needy
3.
The daily supply. Acts 6:1 (last
part).
4.
Complaints against the Hebrew
Christians. Acts 6:1 (first part).
5.
The Grecian widows reported
neglected. Acts 6:1 (second part).
6.
The apostles decline to serve
tables. Acts 6:2, 4.
III. The Appointment of Seven Deacons
7.
Seven good men to be appointed.
Acts 6:2 (last part), 3.
8.
The qualification of the new
officers. Acts 6:3 ; 1 Tim. 3:8-13.
9.
The choosing of the seven.
Acts 6:5.
10.
The office of deacon. Phil.
1:1;
1 Tim. 3:8.
11.
The ordination. Acts 6:6.
IV. The Advance of the Gospel
12.
The disciples increased. Acts
6:7 (first part).
13.
Conversion of priests. Acts 6:7
(last part).
14.
The character and work of Stephen.
Acts 6:8.
[ 22 ]
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
"The early church was
made up of many classes of people, of vari-
ous nationalities. At the time of the out-
pouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost,
`there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews,
devout men, out of every nation under
heaven.' Acts 2:5. Among those of the
Hebrew faith who were gathered at Jeru-
salem were some commonly known as
Grecians, between whom and the Jews of
Palestine there had long existed distrust
and even antagonism. . . .
"Thus it came to pass that as disciples
were multiplied, the enemy succeeded in
arousing the suspicions of some who had
formerly been in the habit of looking with
jealousy on their brethren in the faith and
of finding fault with their spiritual lead-
ers, and so 'there arose a murmuring of
the Grecians against the Hebrews.' The
cause of complaint was an alleged neglect
of the Greek .widows in the daily distribu-
tion of assistance. Any inequality would
have been contrary to the spirit of the
gospel, yet Satan had succeeded in arous-
ing suspicion. Prompt measures must now
be taken to remove all occasion for dis-
satisfaction, lest the enemy triumph in his
effort to bring about a division among the
believers."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
87, 88.
Places:
The temple; houses in the city;
the meeting place of the church ; the places
where food and clothing were dispensed to
the believers.
Persons:
The Christian widows of Jews
of foreign extraction ("Grecians") ; the
Twelve ; the seven deacons.
Interesting Terms:
"Grecians" (or Hellen-
ists). Jews who were born and lived out-
side of Palestine, called the "Dispersion,"
usually Greek-speaking. "Proselyte." Any
Gentile converted to Judaism from a
heathen experience.
Preaching the Gospel of Salvation
1. What caused the liberated apos-
tles to rejoice? Acts 5:41.
NoTE.—"The emotion is probably, in one
sense, natural to all who have an intense
conviction of the truth for which they suf-
fer. But in this case there was something
more. The Twelve could not fail to re-
member their Lord's beatitudes; and now,
for the first time, felt that they could 're-
joice and be exceeding glad' because they
were suffering as the prophets had suffered
before them (Matt. v. 11, 12). And they
were suffering for His name, . . . for that
of the Master who had loved them and
whom they had learnt to
love."—Ellicott's
Commentary,
on Acts 5:41.
2.
What message did the apostles
give, and where? Acts 5:42.
The Care of the Needy
3.
What is meant by "the daily
ministration"? Acts 6:1 (last part).
Compare Acts 2:44, 45 and 4:34, 35.
NOTE .—Each day the poor believers
came to be served with the necessities of
life which the generosity of the other
believers made available to them.
4.
Who murmured, and against
whom were the complaints directed?
Acts 6:1 (first part).
5.
What people in the church were
reported as being neglected? Acts 6:1
(second part).
NoTe.—"In the time when the gospel
was first preached, there were two classes
of Jews—those who remained in Palestine,
who used the Hebrew [Aramaic] language,
etc., and who were appropriately called
Hebrews;
and those who were scattered
among the Gentiles, who spoke the Greek
language, and who used in their synagogues
the Greek translation of the Old Testament
called the Septuagint. These were called
Hellenists,
or as it is in our translation
Grecians;
note, John vii. 35. These were
[23]
doubtless the persons mentioned here—not
those who were proselyted from Gentiles,
but those who were not natives of Judea,
who had come up to Jerusalem to attend
the great festivals of the Jews. See ch. ii.
5, 9-11. Dissensions would be very likely
to arise between these two classes of per-
sons."—Albert Barnes,
Notes on the Acts
of the Apostles,
Acts 6:1.
6.
What separation of work did
the apostles insist should be made for
them? Acts 6:2, 4.
The Appointment of Seven
Deacons
7.
What suggestion was made to
the church? What were the new offi-
cers to do? Acts 6:2 (last part), 3.
NOTE.—By "tables" is to be understood
the business of distribution of the clothing
and food that were dispensed daily to the
needy believers who came to be served.
The apostles came to realize that with the
gifts of the Spirit vouchsafed to them, and
the weight of the responsibility of the
gospel of salvation resting heavily upon
them, they should not be busied with
routine work which any honest, dependable
individual could perform as well as they.
8.
What qualifications were the
new officers to possess? Acts 6:3; 1
Tim. 3:8-13.
NorE.—The deacons were to have the
kind of equipment that the church should
always expect of its officers. The deacons
were to be (1) honest, (2) filled with the
Holy Spirit, (3) wise, of good common
sense.
"One dollar now is of more
value to the work than ten
dollars will be at some fu-
ture
period."—Counsels on
Sabbath School Woi'k,
page
134.
9.
Who were appointed? Who did
the choosing? Acts 6:5.
NorE.—All of the seven bore Greek
names, suggesting that they were Gre-
cians, or Hellenistic Jews, in a position to
deal sympathetically with those who had
been neglected. At least one of the seven
was a proselyte, a Gentile who had been
converted from paganism to Judaism.
"The whole multitude" did the choosing
or electing.
10.
By what name do we now
speak of these new officers? Phil. 1:1;
1 Tim. 3:8.
NorE.—The Greek word
diakonos
("dea-
con") means "minister" in the sense of
"servant."
11.
How were the deacons set
apart for their work? Acts 6:6.
NOTE.—"The ceremony of the laying on
of hands added no new grace or virtual
qualification. It was an acknowledged form
of designation to an appointed office and
a recognition of one's authority in that
office. By it the seal of the church was set
upon the work of God."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 161, 162.
The Advance of the Gospel
12.
What great progress in the
gospel proclamation was now seen?
Acts 6:7 (first part).
13.
From what Jewish group did
many now accept the gospel? Acts 6:
7 (last part).
NorE.--It is significant that a large num-
ber of Jewish priests now came to under-
stand the mediatorial work of the great
High Priest and accept Him as their per-
sonal Saviour.
[ 24 ]
14.
What spiritual qualifications
did Stephen possess? What resulted
from his work? Acts 6:8.
NoTE.—The stoning of Stephen, about
to take place, marks the end of the seventy
weeks of Daniel 9:24-27. Christ, our High
Priest, had begun His work in the heavenly
sanctuary. "God's servants receive no
honor or recognition from the world.
Stephen was stoned because he preached
Christ and Him crucified. Paul was im-
prisoned, beaten, stoned, and finally put
to death, because he was a faithful mes-
senger of God to the Gentiles. The apostle
John was banished to the Isle of Patmos,
'for the Word of God, and for the testi-
mony of Jesus Christ.' These examples of
human steadfastness in the might of divine
power are a witness to the world of the
faithfulness of God's promises, of His abid-
ing presence and sustaining grace."—Gos-
pel
Workers,
page 18.
"The religious experience is
to a great degree determined
by the character of the books
you read in your leisure mo-
ments."
Testimonies,
Vol.
7, p. 204.
Lesson 8, for November 25, 1967
The Third Persecution; the Martyrdom of Stephen
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts 6:9 to 8:2.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man stand-
ing on the right hand of God." Acts 7:56.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," chapter 10; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To review through Stephen's speech the foreshadowing
of the gospel in the Old Testament, and to observe Stephen's personal piety
and devotion, and his faithfulness unto death.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday: Questions
12-14.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions
8-11.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Stephen's Evangelism and Arrest
1.
Stephen and the foreign synagogues.
Acts 6:9.
2.
False charges laid against Stephen.
Acts 6:11, 13, 14.
3.
A timely message for
A.D.
34.
Acts 6:13.
4.
Stephen's radiant face. Acts 6:
12, 15.
II. The Hebrew Background of the
Gospel
5.
The promises to Abraham.
Acts 7:2-5.
6.
The departure to Egypt.
Acts 7:6-16.
7.
Moses and the Exodus.
Acts 7:17-36.
[25
]
8.
Rebellion against Moses.
Acts 7:35-39.
9.
Rebellion in the wilderness.
Acts 7:40-42.
10.
The purpose of tabernacle and
temple. Acts 7:43-50.
11.
Stephen's charge against the Jews.
Acts 7:51-53.
III. The Vision and Death of Stephen
12.
Christ at God's right hand.
Acts 7:55, 56; Dan. 9:24-27.
13.
The stoning of Stephen.
Acts 7:57-60; 8:2.
14.
Bitter persecution under Saul of
Tarsus. Acts 7:58; 8:1.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
"Because the priests and
rulers could not prevail against the clear,
calm wisdom of Stephen, they determined
to make an example of him; and while
thus satisfying their revengeful hatred, they
would prevent others, through fear, from
adopting his belief. Witnesses were hired
to bear false testimony that they had heard
him speak blasphemous words against the
temple and the
law."—The Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 98, 99.
Places:
Synagogues of the dispersed
Jews, in Jerusalem; the council chamber
of the Sanhedrin; a place of stoning out-
side Jerusalem.
Persons:
Hellenistic Jews; Stephen; the
high priest; Saul of Tarsus, later called
Paul the apostle.
Interesting Terms:
"Suborn." The word
means literally to provide or procure, but
always in a bad sense. In connection with
legal action "suborn" means to provide
witnesses who will swear falsely.
Stephen's Evangelism and Arrest
1.
In what synagogues of foreign
Jews did Stephen especially present
the gospel? Acts 6:9.
NOTE.—"Though a Jew by birth, he
[Stephen] spoke the Greek language and
was familiar with the customs and man-
ners of the Greeks. He therefore found
opportunity to preach the gospel in the
synagogues of the Greek
Jews."—The Acts
of the Apostles,
page 97.
2.
What serious charges were laid
against Stephen? Acts 6:11, 13, 14.
Compare Matt. 26:59-61.
NOTE.—"We need not doubt that these
Hellenistic Jews had a very strong and
ardent attachment to the law of Moses, and
that their dread and dislike of Stephen's
teaching arose from their apprehension that
Christian doctrine was in its nature de-
structive of their own tenets. But if their
attachment to the law of Moses had been
intelligent and pure, they would have
welcomed the gospel of Christ as being the
fulfillment of the law. If they had been
actuated by a holy love of God's truth,
they would not have sought to uphold the
Mosaic institutions by violence, by injus-
tice, and by fraud."—The
Pulpit Commen-
tary,
Acts, Vol. 1, p. 196.
"On several occasions they had bribed
the Roman authorities to pass over with-
out comment instances where the Jews had
taken the law into their own hands and
had tried, condemned, and executed pris-
oners in accordance with their national
custom. The enemies of Stephen did riot
doubt that they could again pursue such
a course without danger to themselves.
They determined to risk the consequences
and therefore seized Stephen and brought
him before the Sanhedrin council for
trial."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 98.
3.
What particularly timely gospel
truth might Stephen well have been
presenting? Acts 6:13.
NOTE.—"Since the whole ritual economy
was symbolical of Christ, it had no value
apart from Him. When the Jews sealed
their rejection of Christ by delivering Him
to death, they rejected all that gave signifi-
cance to the temple and its services. Its
sacredness had departed. It was doomed to
destruction. From that day sacrificial of-
ferings and the service connected with
them were meaningless. Like the offering
[ 26 ]
of Cain, they did not express faith in the
Saviour. In putting Christ to death, the
Jews virtually destroyed their temple"—
The Desire of Ages,
page 165.
4.
What was unusual about Stephen
when he was brought under arrest
before the Jewish council? Acts 6:
12, 15.
The Hebrew Background
of the Gospel
5.
How did Stephen show that the,
promises to Abraham were not ful-
filled in the patriarch's day? Acts 7:
2-5.
6.
What caused the early Hebrews
to leave the Land of Promise to go to
Egypt? Acts 7:6-16.
7.
By what miracles and under
what leadership did God lead the
Hebrews back to the Promised Land?
Acts 7:17-36.
8.
How nearly did the Hebrews
come to rejecting Moses, their God-
appointed leader? Acts 7:35-39.
NOTE.—"'Had ye believed Moses,' said
Jesus, 'ye would have believed Me: for he
wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his
writings, how shall ye believe My words?'
It was Christ who had spoken to Israel
through Moses. If they had listened to the
divine voice that spoke through their great
leader, they would have recognized it in
the teachings of Christ. Had they believed
Moses, they would have believed Him of
whom Moses wrote."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 213.
9.
How far did the Hebrews go in
disobedience while still in the wilder-
ness? Acts 7:40-42.
10.
In view of the fact that the in-
finite God cannot be contained in
man-made temples, what was the pur-
pose of the tabernacle and later of
the temple? Acts 7:43-50. Compare
John 4:20-24; Heb. 8:2; 9:2, 11.
NoTE.—"As referring to the temple at
Jerusalem, the Saviour's words, 'Destroy
this temple, and in three days I will raise
it up,' had a deeper meaning than the
hearers perceived. Christ was the founda-
tion and life of the temple. Its services
were typical of the sacrifice of the Son of
God. The priesthood was established to
represent the mediatorial character and
work of Christ. The entire plan of sacri-
ficial worship was a foreshadowing of the
Saviour's death to redeem the world. There
would be no efficacy in these offerings when
the great event toward which they had
pointed for ages was consummated."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 165.
11.
What bitter charge did Stephen
make concerning the Jews' current
disobedience? Acts 7:51-53. Compare
Acts 2:22, 23; 3:13-15; 4:10, 11; 5:30.
"Opposing circumstances
should create a firm deter-
mination to overcome them.
. . . Press with determina-
tion in the right direction,
and circumstances will be
your helpers, not your hin-
drances."—Christ's
Object
Lessons,
page 332.
[ 27
The Vision and Death of Stephen
12. What is the significance of the
vision Stephen had, in view of Christ's
ministry in the heavenly sanctuary
and the close of the seventy-week pe-
riod? Acts 7:55, 56; Dan. 9:24-27.
NOTE.—"By virtue of His [Christ's]
death and resurrection He became the min-
ister of the 'true tabernacle, which the
Lord pitched, and not man.' Heb. 8:2.
Men reared the Jewish tabernacle; men
builded the Jewish temple; but the sanc-
tuary above, of which the earthly was a
type, was built by no human architect.
`Behold the Man whose name is The
Branch; . . . He shall build the temple of
the Lord; and He shall bear the glory, and
shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He
shall be a priest upon His throne:' Zech.
6:12, 13.
"The sacrificial service that had pointed
to Christ passed away; but the eyes of
men were turned to the true sacrifice for
the sins of the world. The earthly priest-
hood ceased; but we look to Jesus, the
minister of the new covenant, and 'to the
blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better
things than that of Abel.'
"—The Desire
of Ages,
pages 165, 166.
"The commandment to restore and build
Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of
Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra 6:14;
7:1, 9, margin), went into effect in the
autumn of B.c. 457. From this time four
hundred and eighty-three years extend to
the autumn of A.D. 27. According to the
prophecy, this period was to reach to the
Messiah, the Anointed One. In A.D. 27, Jesus
at His baptism received the anointing of
the Holy Spirit, and soon afterward began
His ministry. Then the message was pro-
claimed, 'The time is fulfilled.' . • .
"The one week—seven years—ended in
A.D. 34. Then by the stoning of Stephen the
Jews finally sealed their rejection of the
gospel; the disciples who were scattered
abroad by persecution 'went everywhere
preaching the word' (Acts 8:4) ; and
shortly after, Saul the persecutor was con-
verted, and became Paul, the apostle to
the Gentiles."—Ibid., p. 233.
13.
How did Stephen die? Acts 7:
57-60; 8:2.
NoTE.—Technically the Jews had no
legal right, as, a subjugated nation, to put
a man to death. It is possible that the
Roman governor's absence from the city
gave them opportunity. Stoning was a
Hebrew form of punishment, crucifixion a
Roman method. Stephen, whose name in
the Greek means "crown of victory," was
the first Christian martyr whose name has
come down to us.
14.
What trying experience now
came to the church, and who was
primarily responsible for this per-
secution? Acts 7:58; 8:1.
NOTE.—"After the death of Stephen, Saul
was elected a member of the Sanhedrin
council in consideration of the part he had
acted on that occasion. For a time he was
a mighty instrument in the hands of Satan
to carry out his rebellion against the Son
of God. But soon this relentless persecutor
was to be employed in building up the
church that he was now tearing down. A
Mightier than Satan had chosen Saul to
take the place of the martyred Stephen,
to preach and suffer for His name, and to
spread far and wide the tidings of salva-
tion through His blood."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 102.
"Let each regularly examine
his income, which is all a
blessing from God, and set
apart the tithe as a separate
fund, to be sacredly the
Lord's. . . . After the tithe
is set apart, let gifts and of-
ferings be apportioned,
'as
God bath prospered' you."—
Counsels on Sabbath School
Work,
page 130. Italics sup-
plied.
[
28]
Lesson 9, for December 2, 1967
Missionary Expansion: From Judea to Samaria
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 8:3-40.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Then Philip opened his
and preached unto him Jesus." Acts 8
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles,"
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show the
gospel to whole communities and to
mouth, and began at the same scripture,
:35.
chapter 11; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
work of the Holy Spirit in bringing the
truth-seeking individuals.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday: Questions 11-15.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Monday: Questions 6, 7.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Lesson Outline:
IV. Simon the Sorcerer
The Setting of the Lesson
I. The Persecution
1.
Saul still the persecutor. Acts 8:3.
2.
The church active during perse-
cution. Acts 8:4, 1.
II. Philip the Deacon in Samaria
3.
Philip goes to Samaria. Acts 8:5.
4.
The success of the gospel.
Acts 8:6-8, 12.
5.
Peter and John help Philip.
Acts 8:14, 15.
III. The Holy Spirit Upon the Converts
6.
The Holy Spirit not yet received.
Acts 8:16.
7.
The Spirit granted. Acts 8:17.
8.
The reputation of Simon. Acts
8:9-11.
9.
Simon's good intentions.
Acts 8:13.
10.
The sin of simony. Acts 8:18-24.
V. Philip in the Desert
11.
Peter, John, and Philip separate.
Acts 8:25, 26.
12.
Philip meets the Ethiopian.
Acts 8:27, 28.
13.
The Ethiopian instructed.
Acts 8:29-35.
14.
The Ethiopian baptized.
Acts 8:36-38.
15.
Philip removed to Azotus.
Acts 8:39, 40.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
The Philip in this lesson is
not Philip the apostle, but the deacon
turned evangelist. He went up from Jeru-
salem to Samaria, where he preached with
great success. Then he was led of the
Spirit to the wilderness region near Gaza,
where he was instrumental in winning the
Ethiopian eunuch to the gospel. We have
seen the gospel preached in Jerusalem and
Judea. It now moves into a wider circle.
Acts 1:8.
Places:
Either Sebaste (the ancient Sa-
maria) or Sychar in Samaria; the wilder-
ness near Gaza; Azotus, the ancient Ash-
dod; Caesarea.
Persons:
Saul of Tarsus; Philip the dea-
con; Simon the sorcerer; John and Peter;
the Ethiopian eunuch.
[29
1
The Persecution
1.
With what baneful work did
Saul of Tarsus continue to busy him-
self after the stoning of Stephen?
Acts 8:3.
NOTE.—"It may be remarked here that
there never was a. persecution commenced
with more flattering prospects to the per-
secutors. Saul, the principal agent, was
young, zealous, learned, and clothed with
power. He showed afterwards that he had
talents fitted for any station; and zeal
that tired with no exertion, and that was
appalled by no obstacle. With this talent
he entered on his work. Christians were
few and feeble. They were scattered and
unarmed. They were unprotected by any
civil power, and exposed, therefore, to the
full blaze and rage of persecution. That
the church was not destroyed, was owing
to the protection of God—a protection that
not only secured its existence, but which
extended its influence and power by means
of this very persecution far abroad on the
earth."—Albert Barnes,
Notes on the Acts
of the Apostles,
Acts 8:3.
2.
What was the church doing?
Where did the apostles remain in
spite of danger? Acts 8:4, 1.
NOTE.—"When they were scattered by
persecution they went forth filled with mis-
sionary zeal. They realized the responsi-
bility of their mission. They knew that they
held in their hands the bread of life for a
famishing world; and they were con-
strained by the love of Christ to break this
bread _to all who were in need. The Lord
wrought through them. Wherever they
went, the sick were healed and the poor
had the gospel preached unto them."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 106.
*
"The object of Sabbath
Schoolwork should be the in-
gathering of
souls."—Coun-
sels on Sabbath School Work,
page 61.
Philip the Deacon in Samaria
3.
When Philip the deacon went
out from Jerusalem as an evangelist,
where did he go, and for what pur-
pose? Acts 8:5.
NoTE.—The ancient city of Samaria had
been completely destroyed about 70 B.c.,
and on its site many years later Herod the
Great built another town, which he called
Sebaste (Augustus) in honor of the Roman
emperor Caesar Augustus. Either this city,
or Sychar, where Jesus had planted the
gospel truth (John 4:5-8, 39-42), is in-
tended in Acts 8:5.
4.
What results attended the preach-
ing of the gospel by Philip? Acts 8:
6-8, 12.
5.
Who were sent from the general
headquarters at Jerusalem to help
Philip? What was their first concern?
Acts 8:14, 15.
The Holy Spirit Upon the Converts
6.
What had not yet happened to
the baptized believers? Acts 8:16.
7.
What great gift was now granted
to the converts, when apostolic hands
were laid upon them? Acts 8:17.
Simon the Sorcerer
8.
What distinguished man resided
in Samaria? What is said of his char-
acter and activity? How did the peo-
ple regard him? Acts 8:9-11.
9.
How did Simon outwardly re-
spond to the gospel message? Acts
8:13.
30 ]
10.
When he saw the Holy Spirit
given, how did Simon seek to secure
this power? Acts 8:18-24.
NoTE.—The name of Simon the sorcerer
has given us the word "simony" to de-
scribe the crime of seeking church office by
paying money as bribes, or by presenting
gifts or using undue influence. There is no
information in the Bible that this Simon
ever found true repentance. Tradition main-
tains that he did not, but continued as an
enemy of the gospel messengers.
Philip in the Desert
11.
After preaching throughout all
Samaria, where did Peter and John
go? Where did the angel bid Philip
to go? Acts 8:25, 26.
NOTE.—"While Philip was still in Sa-
maria, he was directed by a heavenly mes-
senger to 'go toward the south unto the
way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto
Gaza. . . And he arose and went.' He did
not question the call, nor did he hesitate to
obey; for he had learned the lesson of con-
formity to God's
will."—The Acts of the
Apostles,
page 107.
By the "desert" lying toward Gaza, we
are not to understand a sandy waste, but
a sparsely populated region.
12.
Whom did Philip meet? Where
had the man been, and what was he
now doing? Acts 8:27, 28.
NOTE.—"This Ethiopian was a man of
good standing and of wide influence. God
saw that when converted he would give
others the light he had received and would
exert a strong influence in favor of the
gospel."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page
107.
13.
What did the Holy Spirit in-
struct Philip to do, and with what
result? Acts 8:29-35.
NOTE.—Philip must have spent some
time with the Ethiopian and instructed him
thoroughly in the gospel truths which he
did not already know from Judaism. No-
tice that Philip made Jesus Christ the
center of his instruction.
14.
What did the Ethiopian ask,
and how was the request granted?
Acts 8:36-38.
NoTE.—The baptism was, of course, by
immersion, as is clearly indicated in verse 38.
15.
Following the rite of baptism,
how were the two men parted? What
did each do? Acts 8:39, 40.
ATTENTION, SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHERS!
Are you using the Teacher's Edition of the "Sabbath School
Lesson Quarterly"? If not, you should ask your Sabbath School
secretary to secure it for you. You will find it a great help in the
preparation of your lesson as well as in teaching, for every other
page in the quarterly is blank, thus giving space on which to
write out answers to questions, notes, or special comments to use
in class. It has been provided in response to requests from many
teachers. It is designed to help you, but it cannot help you if you
do not use it. Try it!
[ 31 ]
Lesson 10, for December 9, 1967
The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 9:1-31.
MEMORY VERSE:
"What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."
Phil. 3:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," chapters 12 and 13; "Testimonies," Vol.
3, pp. 429-433; "Gospel Workers," pages 58-62; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show the power of Christ in calling a man He
needed, in spite of human stubbornness, as well as the joy and peace that
come from a personal fellowship with one's Lord.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9-12.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 13-15.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. The Call of the Lord
1.
The commission of Saul against the
Christians. Acts 9:1, 2.
2.
Saul challenged by the call of
heaven. Acts 9:3, 4 (first part).
3.
Jesus calls Saul. Acts 9:4 (last
part), 5.
4.
The effects of the heavenly visita-
tation. Acts 9:6 (first part), 7, 8.
5.
Saul's question and Christ's an-
swer. Acts 9:6 (last part).
II. In Damascus
6.
Saul's blindness. Acts 9:9.
7.
Ananias sent to Saul's aid.
Acts 9:10-19 (first part).
8. Saul appointed an apostle to the
Gentiles. Acts 9:15, 16.
III. Growth in Grace
9. Saul preaches in Damascus.
Acts 9:18, 20.
10. Saul in Arabia. Gal. 1:15-17.
11. The gospel again in Damascus.
Acts 9:22.
12. The Jews plot against Saul.
Acts 9:23-25.
IV. Sojourn in Jerusalem
13. Saul's first visit as a Christian in
Jerusalem. Acts 9:26-29; Gal.
1:18, 19.
14. Saul goes to Tarsus. Acts 9:29
(last part), 30.
15. The church at peace. Acts 9:31.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
Beginning with this lesson
we see Saul of Tarsus as Paul the apostle
of the Lord Jesus Christ. On his way to
Damascus as a persecutor of the church
he is challenged by Jesus Christ and enjoys
a thorough conversion. He spent some
time
(The Acts of the Apostles,
page 125,
says, "for a time") in Arabia in commu-
nion with God; then followed a successful
evangelistic career in his native province of
Cilicia. In succeeding years came Paul's
fruitful three missionary journeys, with
Antioch in Syria as their center.
Places:
Jerusalem; Damascus; Arabia;
Tarsus in Cilicia.
Persons:
Saul of Tarsus; the high priest;
t
32]
Jesus Christ; Ananias of Damascus; the
Holy Spirit; disciples of Damascus; Bar-
nabas; the apostles.
Interesting Terms:
"Breathing out." An
expression similar to "panting," indicating
Saul's zeal and wrath against the Chris-
tians.
"Brother." The term by which Ananias
addressed the converted Saul of Tarsus.
This is the only individual title applied to
Christian men in the New Testament.
"Saints." Sanctified or dedicated ones, a
term applied to all the believers, as in
Romans 1:7. The word in the original
tongues is also translated "holy ones." The
expression does not imply actual sinless-
ness, but consecration.
The Call of the Lord
1. What did Saul the persecutor ask
of the high priest, and with what
cruel purpose? Acts 9:1, 2.
Norc.—"Saul was about to journey to
Damascus upon his own business; but he
was determined to accomplish a double
purpose, by searching out, as he went, all
the believers in Christ. For this purpose
he obtained letters from the high priest to
real in the synagogues, which, authorized
him to seize all those who were suspected
of being believers in Jesus, and to send
them by messengers to Jerusalem, there to
be tried and punished."—Ellen G. White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 21.
"Of every Christian the Lord
requires growth in efficiency
and capability in every line.
Christ has paid us our wages,
even His own blood and suf-
fering, to secure our willing
service. He came to our
world to give us an example
of how we should work, and
what spirit we should bring
into our
labor."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 330,
331.
2.
What occurred to Saul and his
companions as they approached Da-
mascus? Acts 9:3, 4 (first part).
NoTE.—"It is evident that this revelation
was not merely an inward impression made
on the mind of Saul during a trance or
ecstasy. It was the direct perception of the
visible presence of Jesus Christ. This is
asserted in various passages, both positively
and incidentally. In St. Paul's first letter to
the Corinthians, when he contends for
the validity of his own apostleship, his
argument is;
'Am I not an apostle? Have
I not seen Jesus Christ, the Lord?' (1 Cor.
ix. 1). And when he adduces the evidence
for the truth of the resurrection, his argu-
ment is again, 'He was seen . . . by Cephas
. . . by James . . . by all the apostles . .
last of all by me . . . as one born out of
due time' (xv. 8). By Cephas and by James
at Jerusalem the reality of Saul's conver-
sion was doubted (Acts ix. 27) ; but 'Bar-
nabas brought him to the apostles, and re-
lated to them how he had seen the Lord in
the way, and had spoken with Him.' "—
Conybeare and Howson,
The Life and
Epistles of St. Paul.
1906 ed., p. 84.
3.
What did the voice from heaven
say? Who was the speaker? Acts 9:4
(last part), 5.
NOTE.—"No
doubt entered the mind of
Saul that the One who spoke to him was
Jesus of Nazareth, the long-looked-for
Messiah, the Consolation and Redeemer
of Israel."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page
117.
4.
What was the physical effect
upon the men with Saul, and upon
Saul himself? Acts 9:6 (first part),
7, 8.
NOTE—In
Acts 9:7 it says the men with
Saul heard the voice, but in Acts 22:9 it
says they did not hear the voice. The
word translated "voice" in both places is
the root word that appears in such English
words as
telephone, dictaphone, phonetics,
et cetera. It was used for the sound of the
[ 33 ]
wind (John 3:8) and of the cry of ani-
mals, and of the sounds of millstones,
wings, chariots, water, and musical instru-
ments (1 Cor. 14:8), and most commonly
for the human voice. As in both these ac-
counts in Acts it is clear that the sound of
human speech is referred to, the word
"voice" was quite properly used. However,
if someone were speaking in another room,
one might either hear what was actually
said, or one might hear only sufficient to
recognize who was speaking. In such a
case it might truly be said that one
did
hear, and that one
did not
hear. Thus in
Acts 9 we are told that the men recognized
that the sound they heard was human
language, and in Acts 22 we are told that
they did not understand the words of the
voice that was speaking.
5.
What did Saul ask? What in-
struction was given? Acts 9:6 (last
part).
In Damascus
6.
How long did Saul remain
blind? In what circumstances? Acts
9:9.
NOTE.—"The same reason, we may ven-
ture to think, which caused the interposi-
tion of three days' blindness between Saul's
conversion and his baptism, led Saul him-
self to pass those days in a voluntary self-
abasement. His sin in persecuting the
church of God and its Divine Head, his
guilt in assisting at the death of God's
saints, and in rejecting the testimony to
Christ's resurrection, had been very great.
These three days of blindness and of fast-
ing were therefore a fitting preparation for
the grace of forgiveness about to be so
freely and fully given to him (1 Tim. i.
12-16). What thoughts must have passed
through Saul's mind during those three
days!"—The
Pulpit Commentary,
Acts,
Vol. 1, p. 283.
7.
What message came to Ananias
in Damascus? What did he do? Acts
9:10-19 (first part).
8.
What was Christ's plan for Saul?
Acts 9:15, 16.
Growth in Grace
9.
With sight restored, how did
Saul occupy himself in Damascus?
Acts 9:18, 20.
10.
Where did Saul next go? Gal.
1:15-17.
NorE.—"While in Arabia he did not
communicate with the apostles; he sought
God earnestly with all his heart, determin-
ing not to rest till he knew for a certainty
that his repentance was accepted, and his
great sin pardoned. He would not give up
the conflict until he had the assurance that
Jesus would be with him in his coming
ministry. He was ever to carry about with
him in the body the marks of Christ's
glory, in his eyes, which had been blinded
by the heavenly light, and he desired also
to bear with him constantly the assurance
of Christ's sustaining grace."—Ellen G.
White,
Sketches From the Life of Paul,
page 34.
11.
Upon his return to Damascus,
what did Saul continue to do? Acts
9:22.
NoTE.—"God in His providence not only
spared Saul's life, but converted him, thus
transferring a champion from the side of
the enemy to the side of Christ. An do-
Tape-recorded mission appeals for the. Thirteenth Sabbath
projects are available for offering promotion in the Sab-
bath School. Order through your Book and Bible House.
[ 34 ]
quent speaker and a severe critic, Paul,
with his stern purpose and undaunted
courage, possessed the very qualifications
needed in the early church.
"As Paul preached Christ in Damascus,
all who heard him were amazed. . . In
his presentation of the gospel he sought to
make plain the prophecies relating to the
first advent of Christ. He showed con-
clusively that these prophecies had been
literally fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth.
The foundation of his faith was the sure
word of prophecy."—The
Acts of the Apos-
tles,
pages 124, 125.
12.
How did the Jews in Damascus
react to Saul's preaching? How was
Saul delivered from vicious foes?
Acts 9:23-25.
Sojourn in Jerusalem
13.
Who stood guarantee for Saul
when he went to Jerusalem? What
did Saul do there? Acts 9:26-29; Gal.
1:18, 19.
NOTE.—"Barnabas, who had liberally con-
tributed of his means to sustain the cause
of Christ, and to relieve the necessities of
the poor, had been acquainted with Paul,
when he opposed the believers. He now
came forward and renewed that acquaint-
ance, heard the testimony of Paul in re-
gard to his miraculous conversion, and
his experience from that time. He fully
believed and received Paul, took him by
the hand, and led him into the presence of
the apostles."—Ellen G. White,
Sketches
From the Life of Paul,
page 36.
14.
What did the apostles have
Saul do, and why? Acts 9:29 (last
part), 30.
15.
What was now the experience
of the church in Palestine? Acts 9:31.
NOTE.—"It is thought that the attention
of the Jews to the progress of the faith
of Jesus Christ was diverted at this time,
and their active hostility stayed, by the
still greater danger to the Jews' religion
which arose from [the Roman emperor]
Caligula's intention of placing a statue to
himself as a god in the holy, of holies.
Thus did God's gracious providence inter-
vene to give rest to his harassed saints,
and to build up his church in numbers, in
holiness, and in heavenly comfort."—The
Pulpit Commentary,
Acts, Vol.
1, p.
287.
Lesson 11, for December 16, 1967
The Ministry of Peter
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Acts 9:32 to 10:48.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Of a
truth I perceive that God is no respecter
of
persons: but
in
every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted
with Him." Acts 10:34, 35.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 131-141; "The Ministry of Heal-
ing," pages 209-216; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To
see Peter as an agent
of miracle-working power, and
a willing minister of the gospel to the Gentiles.
[ 35 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6, 7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-15.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Miracles of Healing
1.
Peter as an evangelist. Acts 9:32.
2.
The healing of Aeneas.
Acts 9:33-35.
3.
Dorcas's service to the church.
Acts 9:36, 39.
4.
Peter's ministry to Dorcas.
Acts 9:37-41.
5.
The effect of the Dorcas miracle.
Acts 9:42.
II. The Calling of Cornelius
6.
The devout centurion.
Acts 10:1, 2, 22.
7.
Instructions to Cornelius.
Acts 10:3-8.
Ill. The Vision of Peter
8.
Peter's noontide prayer.
Acts 10:9, 10, 17, 18.
9.
Peter's vision. Acts 10:11-16.
10.
Instructions of the Spirit to Peter.
Acts 10:19-24.
IV. The Baptism of Cornelius
11.
Peter meets the Gentile Cornelius.
Acts 10:25-28 (first part).
12.
The lesson of Peter's vision.
Acts 10:28 (last part).
13.
Cornelius's preparation.
Acts 10:34-37.
14.
The message of salvation.
Acts 10:38-43.
15.
The baptism.
a.
By the Holy Spirit. Acts
10:44-46.
b.
By water. Acts 10:47, 48
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
While Saul is doing a rou-
tine but useful work in Cilicia, gaining ex-
perience in evangelism (Gal. 1:21-24), the
record brings Peter again to the front, and
shows how the gospel spread through him
in the coastal regions. Two miracles are
described, and the account of the conver-
sion of Cornelius and his household is
given in full. Through an angel
And
a
vision Peter and Cornelius are brought to-
gether. Peter preaches the gospel, the hear-
ers receive the Holy Spirit, and Peter ad-
ministers baptism. This was a decisive
event, for, although Cornelius was "de-
vout," that is, a believer in the Jewish
faith, a "proselyte of the gate," he had
not yet been circumcised and therefore
was not permitted in Jewish assemblies.
Cornelius's reception of the Holy Spirit
therefore set a precedent of the greatest
importance for later work among the
Gentiles. The supernatural is so much a
part of the events here that it becomes al-
most natural as should be the case with
active, effective Christians.
Places:
Lydda (modern Israel uses the
ancient name, Lod), not far inland from
Joppa, on the edge of the plain of Sharon,
west of Jerusalem ; Joppa, modern Jaffa,
on the coast; Caesarea, a busy city on the
coast some thirty miles north of Joppa,
the seat of Roman provincial government
(the ruins of the city are only recently
being excavated).
Persons:
Peter; Aeneas; Dorcas; Cor-
nelius, a centurion in the Italian cohort
garrison at Caesarea; an angel; the Holy
Spirit.
Interesting Terms:
"Centurion." A sub-
ordinate officer in the Roman army, com-
manding a hundred men, corresponding to
sergeant or to lieutenant, junior grade, in
the United States Army.
"Band." "The Roman cohort, here called
a 'band,' consisted of about 600 men, and
was the administrative unit of the army."-
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Acts 10:1.
36
"Housetop." The flat roof of a Syrian
house offered a place of family privacy,
away from the turmoil of the street. Fre-
quently a small room was built on the
housetop, and almost always there was a
canopy for shelter.
"Remission of sins." The "sending away"
of sin, that is, the separation of sin from
the sinner. Ps. 103:10-12.
Miracles of Healing
1.
On returning from helping
Philip in Samaria, how far did Peter
extend his evangelistic work? Acts
9:32.
2.
What gracious miracle did Peter
perform at Lydda through the power
of Christ? Acts 9:33-35.
3.
What good work did Dorcas of
Joppa do in the church? Acts 9:36, 39.
NOTE.—"At Joppa, which was near
Lydda, there lived a woman named Dorcas,
whose good deeds had made her greatly
beloved. She was a worthy disciple of Je-
sus, and her life was filled with acts of
kindness. She knew who needed comfort-
able clothing and who needed sympathy,
and she freely ministered to the poor and
the sorrowful. Her skillful fingers were
more active than her tongue."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
page 131.
4.
What good work did the Spirit
of God do for Dorcas through Peter?
Acts 9:37-41. •
5.
What effect did this remarkable
occurrence have? Acts 9:42.
The Calling of Cornelius
6.
Who was Cornelius, and what
was his character and his relationship
to God? Acts 10:1, 2, 22.
7.
What did Cornelius do in com-
pliance with instructions he received
in a vision from the Lord? Acts 10:
3-8.
NOTE.—"The same Holy Watcher who
said of Abraham, 'I know him,' knew Cor-
nelius also, and sent a message direct from
heaven to him. . .
"The explicitness of these directions, in
which was named even the occupation of
the man with whom Peter was staying,
shows that Heaven is acquainted with the
history and business of men in every sta-
tion of life. God is familiar with the ex-
perience and work of the humble laborer, as
well as with that of the king upon his
throne."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
133, 134.
The Vision of Peter
8.
Where was Peter dwelling, and
what was he doing when Cornelius's
messengers reached him? Acts 10:9,
10, 17, 18.
NoTE.—There were two hours of prayer
for the Jewish community, when the
morning and evening sacrifices were of-
fered in Jerusalem. But for the devout
man, that was not enough. "Evening, and
morning, and at noon, will I pray." Ps.
55:17. Daniel "kneeled upon his knees
three times a day." Dan. 6:10.
"A
conscientious few [of an-
cient Israel) made returns to
God of about one third of all
their income for the benefit
of religious interests and for
the poor. These exactions
were . . . from
all . . .
ac-
cording to the amount pos-
sessed. . . . These drafts were
made by God upon the peo-
ple for their own good, as
well as to sustain His
ser-
vice."—Testimonies,
vol. 4,
pp. 467, 468.
I87]
9.
What vision did Peter have
while experiencing a noontide hun-
ger? Acts 10:11-16.
NOTE.—"By the vision of the sheet and
its contents, let down from heaven, Peter
was to be divested of his settled prejudices
against the Gentiles; to understand that,
through Christ, heathen nations were made
partakers of the blessings and privileges of
the Jews, and were to be thus benefited
equally with them. Some have urged that
this vision was to signify that God had
removed His prohibition from the use of
the flesh of animals which He formerly
pronounced unclean; and that therefore
swines' flesh was fit for food. This is a
very narrow, and altogether erroneous in-
terpretation, and is plainly contradicted in
the Scriptural account of the vision and
its consequences."—The
Spirit of Prophecy,
Vol. 3, pp. 327, 328.
The meaning of the vision was not
respecting unclean foods, but that no
man
should be called "common or unclean,"
verse 28.
10.
What did the Spirit of God
bid Peter do? How did Peter respond
to the messengers' request? Acts 10:
19-24.
The Baptism of Cornelius
11.
How did Cornelius greet Peter?
What was Peter's problem in associ-
ating with Cornelius? Acts 10:25-28
(first part).
12.
How did Peter apply the lesson
of his vision? Acts 10:28 (last part).
NoTE.—It was from man, and not from
food, that the stigma of "unclean" was to
be removed. Notice that the word here
translated "man" is of the broadest ap-
plication, meaning man as a race.
13.
What did Peter declare Cor-
nelius and his companions already
had heard? Acts 10:34-37.
NOTE.—"That word . . . ye know." Cor-
nelius and his household had learned not
only the truths of Judaism; they knew
of the message of John the Baptist, and
the work and preaching of Jesus Christ.
There would scarcely be anyone in Pales-
tine who had not heard these things.
14.
What message did Peter bring
to them? Acts 10:38-43.
NoTE.—The "anointing" of Jesus was at
His baptism (Matt. 3:16, 17), when to the
accompaniment of a Voice from heaven,
the Spirit of God came afresh upon Jesus.
This endowment marked the initiation of
Christ's public ministry in A.D. 27, begin-
ning the final "week" (seven years) of the
seventy weeks of Daniel's prophecy (Dan.
9:24-27), which closed with the stoning
of Stephen.
Like Philip (Acts 8:35), Peter preached
Jesus.
15.
How did God indicate His ac-
ceptance of these Gentiles? What did
Peter do for them? Acts 10:44-48.
NoTE.—Again the Holy Spirit showed
His active presence in the infant church.
He did not wait for Peter, but took control
of a situation embarrassing to the Jewish
apostle. In a dynamic and soul-thrilling
manifestation, the Spirit took Cornelius
as His own. The speaking in tongues was
no babbling, but a useful gift such as had
come to the believers at Pentecost. Acts
2:4.
"God desires us to choose the
heavenly in place of the
earthly. He opens before us
the possibilities of a heav-
enly investment." "Let your
property go beforehand to
heaven. Lay up your trea-
sures beside the throne of
God."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
pages 374, 375.
E88
1
Lesson 12, for December 23, 1967
Peter Renders an Account; the Word at Antioch
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 11.
MEMORY VERSE:
"But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath
cleansed, that call not thou common." Acts 11:9.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 141, 142, 155-160; "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To see the willingness of the church leadership to
move forward into new developments, in this case the winning of Gentiles,
and to note the establishment of the work in Antioch in Syria.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. Peter Called to Account
1.
Eating with uncircumcised Gentiles.
Acts 11:1-3.
2.
Call no man unclean.
Acts 10:28; 11:9.
3.
Testimony of witnesses.
Acts 10:23; 11:12.
4.
The authority of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 11:12-16.
II. The Gospel to the Gentiles
5.
The lesson of Cornelius.
Acts 11:17, 18; Gal. 2:9.
6.
Peter's dissimulation. Gal. 2:11-16.
7.
The spread of the gospel. Acts 11:
19, 20.
III. The Work of the Gospel in Antioch
8.
Evangelistic results in Antioch.
Acts 11:21.
9.
The commission and qualifications
of Barnabas. Acts 11:22, 24 (first
part).
10.
The success given him. Acts 11:23,
24 (last part).
IV. Saul's Work at Antioch
11.
Barnabas seeks Saul. Acts 11:
25, 26.
12.
The believers called "Christians."
Acts 11:26 (last part).
13.
Barnabas and Saul at Jerusalem.
Acts 11:27-30.
14.
John Mark enters the ministry.
Acts 12:25.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
The work of the gospel
now enters a new phase. In the early years
the message was preached to the Jews.
Then the circle of activity was widened
under pressure from the Holy Spirit to
include the Samaritans, who already be-
lieved the Scriptures and looked for a
Messiah. Next, two Gentiles, the Ethiopian
and Cornelius, already believers in God and
the Scriptures, were accepted. Now, at
Antioch, raw heathenism is met, and pa-
gans, previously untouched by the truths
of Scripture, are converted and brought
into the circle of believers. This is a great
39
step, and though taken courageously, meets
great opposition. The time is about AD.
42-45.
Places:
Jerusalem; Antioch in Syria;
Tarsus in Cilicia.
Persons:
Peter; the apostles in Jeru-
salem; the six witnesses; converted men,
evangelists, from Cyprus and Cyrene;
Greeks; Barnabas; Saul; Agabus the
prophet; John Mark.
Peter Called to Account
1.
What "severe censure" did Peter
meet at Jerusalem? Acts 11:1-3.
NoTE.—"When the brethren in Judea
heard that Peter had preached to the Gen-
tiles, and had met with them, and eaten
with them in their houses, they were sur-
prised and offended by such strange move-
ments on his part. They feared that such
a course, which looked presumptuous to
them, would tend to contradict his own
teachings. . . .
"Peter candidly laid the whole matter
before them. He related his experience in
regard to the vision, and pleaded that it
admonished him no longer to keep up the
ceremonial distinction of circumcision and
uncircumcision, nor to look upon the Gen-
tiles as unclean, for God was not a respec-
ter of persons. . . . His caution was made
manifest to his brethren from the fact that,
although commanded by God to go to the
Gentile's house, he had taken with him six
of the disciples then present, as witnesses of
all he should say or do while there. . . .
"The disciples, upon hearing this ac-
count, were silenced, and convinced that
Peter's course was in direct fulfillment of
the plan of God, and that their old prej-
udices and exclusiveness were to be utterly
destroyed by the gospel of Christ."—The
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol.
3, pp. 332-334.
2.
What lesson had Peter learned
from his vision of the unclean foods?
Acts 10:28; 11:9.
3.
How many had accompanied
Peter from Joppa, and where did they
go? Acts 10:23; 11:12.
4.
What divine authority did Peter
give for his fellowshiping with the
Gentile Cornelius? Acts 11:12-16.
The Gospel to the Gentiles
5.
What lesson did the church
leadership learn from the experience
with Cornelius? Acts 11:17, 18; Gal.
2:9.
6.
At a later time what compromis-
ing attitude of Peter is recorded, and
how did Paul challenge him? Gal.
2:11-16.
NOTE.—"The church was threatened with
division. But Paul, who saw the subverting
influence of the wrong done to the church
through the double part acted by Peter,
openly rebuked him for thus disguising
his true sentiments. In the presence of the
church, Paul inquired of Peter, 'If thou,
being a Jew, livest after the manner of
Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why
compellest thou the Gentiles to live as
do the Jews?' Gal. 2:13, 14.
"Peter saw the error into which he
had fallen, and immediately set about
repairing the evil that had been wrought,
so far as was in his power."—The
Acts of
the Apostles,
page 198.
7.
Following the stoning of Ste-
phen, how widely was the gospel
preached, and through what agencies?
Acts 11:19, 20.
"Well, says one, the calls keep
coming to give to the cause.
I am weary of giving. Are
you? Then let me ask, Are
you weary of receiving from
God's beneficent hand?"—
Counsels on Sabbath School
Work,
page 133.
140]
Nom—With the joint labors of two
consecrated and Spirit-filled evangelists,
Antioch became a great center of mission-
[ 41 ]
NoTE.—The men from Cyprus and Cy-
rene were Hellenists, that is, Greek-speak-
ing Jews who had accepted Christianity
and had an understanding of the Gentile
world. Instead of "Grecians" as identifying
those who were now converted in Antioch,
we should read, in keeping with the oldest
manuscripts, "Greeks," that is, pagans un-
touched by the truths of Scripture.
The Work of the Gospel in Antioch
8.
What did the blessing of the
Lord produce in Antioch? Acts 11:21.
9.
Whom did the apostles send to
supervise the work theie? What were
his qualifications? Acts 11:22, 24 (first
part). Compare Acts 4:36; 9:27.
NOTE.—The man Barnabas here named
is the same who had introduced Saul to
the brethren in Jerusalem shortly after
Saul's conversion (Acts 9:26, 27), and who
had led in contributing to the "common
purse" of the church following Pentecost
(Acts 4:36, 37). It is a widely held opinion
that Barnabas may have attended the
school of Gamaliel in Jerusalem with Saul
in earlier years (Acts 22:3). Barnabas was
"full of the Holy Ghost," not merely a man
of good character, but possessed by the
Spirit of God. Stephen was also a man
"full of faith and of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 6:5.
10.
What success attended Barna-
bas's endeavors? Acts 11:23, 24 (last
part).
Saul's Work at Antioch
11.
Whom did Barnabas seek as a
helper? With what result? Acts 11:
25, 26.
ary activity for the Gentiles, while Jeru-
salem remained the center for evangelism
among the Jews.
12.
What name was first applied to
the believers in Antioch? Acts 11:26
(last part).
NOTE.-"It
was God who gave to them
the name of Christian. This is a royal name,
given to all who join themselves to Christ."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 157.
13.
What were the circumstances of
Saul's second visit to Jerusalem as a
Christian? Acts 11:27-30.
NoTE.—To take material aid to the fam-
ine-threatened Jewish believers in Palestine
required a trip by Barnabas and Saul to
Jerusalem. This was Saul's second visit to
that city since becoming a Christian. His
first visit there was about three years after
his conversion, at which time he was wel-
comed by Barnabas. Acts 9:27. His third
visit was also in Barnabas's company.
Acts 15:2.
14.
Whom did Saul and Barnabas
bring with them from Jerusalem to
Antioch? Acts 12:25.
"For life, health, food, and
clothing, no less than for the
hope of eternal life, we are
indebted to the Giver of all
mercies; and it is due to God
to recognize His gifts, and
to present our offerings of
gratitude to our greatest
Benefactor. These birthday
gifts are recognized of
Heaven."—Counsels on Sab-
bath School Work,
page 143.
Lesson 13, for December 30, 1967
The Fourth Persecution; an Attack on James and Peter
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Acts 12.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and
hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation
of the people of the Jews." Acts
12:11,
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," chapter 15; "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp.
748, 749; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To realize that in a wicked world some children of God
die in His service and some live on in the providence of God; also that some-
times there is upon earth retribution on the wicked.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday: Questions
12-15.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Thursday: Read from study helps.
Monday: Questions 6, 7.
Friday: Review the entire lesson.
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
Lesson Outline:
The Setting of the Lesson
I. James Martyred
1.
The reign of King Herod Agrippa I.
Acts 12:1 (first part).
2.
Herod persecutes the church.
Acts 12:1, 2.
II. Peter in Prison
3.
Peter's arrest and imprisonment.
Acts 12:3, 4 (first part), 6.
4.
The Passover season. Acts 12:4
(last part).
5.
The church in prayer.
Acts 12:5, 12.
III. Peter Delivered
6. Rescue by an angel. Acts 12:7-10.
7. Peter's realization of a miracle.
Acts 12:9, 11.
IV. The Awakened Faith of the Church
8. Reluctance to believe.
Acts 12:13-15.
9. The astonishment of the believers.
Acts 12:16.
10. Peter's instructions and departure.
Acts 12:17.
11. The prison guards. Acts 12:18, 19.
V. The Death of Herod Agrippa I
12. Herod's political problems.
Acts 12:20, 21.
13. Herod's irreverence. Acts 12:22.
14. Herod's death. Acts 12:23.
15. The progress of the gospel.
Acts 12:24.
THE LESSON
The Setting of the Lesson
Introduction:
This chapter of Acts re-
lates the martyrdom of a second leader in
the church, "James the brother of John."
Peter was miraculously spared to do a
great work for God. King Herod accepted
the worship of man, but died ingloriously
at the hands of God's angel.
Places:
Jerusalem ; Caesarea.
Persons:
King Herod Agrippa I, grand-
son of Herod the Great; James, son of
Zebedee and brother of John, the beloved
disciple; Simon Peter; sixteen soldiers; an
142]
angel; Rhoda; the praying believers; a
delegation from Tyre and Sidon; Blastus,
the king's personal secretary.
Interesting Terms:
"Easter." This is a
late English term, mistakenly used by the
King James translators to translate the
Greek word for "Passover"; it was the
Passover season, or the time of "un-
leavened bread." Acts 12:3. "Easter" is
from an Anglo-Saxon name for the pagan
annual spring sun festival. The word was
not known in Bible times.
"Quaternion." A squad of four soldiers
serving together on a special-duty assign-
ment.
"Damsel." The original word means only
"servant girl."
"Chamberlain." The supervisor of the
king's private apartments; a sort of highly
placed secretary.
James Martyred
1. Who was king of Judea at the
time of our lesson (A.D. 44)? Acts
12:1 (first part).
NOTE.—"Herod the king here mentioned
is Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the
Great, and son of Aristobulus and Bernice.
During the reign of Tiberius he resided at
Rome, in alternate favor and disgrace,
sometimes banished, sometimes a prisoner,
sometimes a guest at the imperial court. He
was a great friend of Caius Caesar Caligula,
and, on his succeeding to the empire on the
death of Tiberius, was promoted by him
to the tetrarchy of Herod Philip, with the
title of king. He was further advanced
three years afterwards to the tetrarchy of
Herod Antipas; and, on the accession of
Claudius to the throne, Judea and Sa-
maria were added to his dominions, which
now comprised the whole kingdom of his
grandfather, Herod the Great. Agrippa, in
spite of his close intimacy with Drusus,
Caligula, Claudius, and other Roman mag-
nates, was 'exactly careful in the observance
of the laws of his country, not allowing a
day to pass without its appointed sacrifice;'
and he had given proof of his strong Jew-
ish feeling by interposing his whole influ-
ence with Caligula to prevent his statue
being placed in the holy of holies. This
spirit accounts for his enmity against the
church. He was a man of very expensive
and luxurious habits, but not without some
great qualities."—The
Pulpit Commentary,
Acts, Vol. 1, p. 378.
2.
What did Herod do against the
church? Why? Acts 12:1, 2.
NOTE.—The James martyred by King
Herod Agrippa I was "James, the son of
Zebedee, or James the Elder, to whom,
with his brother John, our Lord gave the
surname of Boanerges. . . , sons of thun-
der. Nothing is recorded of him in the
Acts but his presence in the upper room
at Jerusalem after the ascension (ch. i. 13),
and this his martyrdom, which was the
fulfillment of our Lord's prediction in
Matt. xx. 23. His being singled out by
Herod for death in company with Peter
is rather an indication of his zeal and
activity in the Lord's service, though we
know nothing of his work."—The
Pulpit
Commentary,
Acts, Vol. 1, p. 378.
Peter in Prison
3.
How securely was Peter held in
prison? Acts 12:3, 4 (first part), 6.
4.
In what season of the year did
this event occur? Acts 12:4 (last part).
NOTE.—"We have another characteristic
trait of the religion of Agrippa, and of his
sympathy with the feelings of the Jews
about the law, that he would not allow
a trial on a capital charge, or an execution,
to take place during the Feast of Un-
leavened Bread."—The
Pulpit Commen-
tary,
Acts, Vol. 1, p. 379.
"There is nothing more cal-
culated to strengthen the in-
tellect than the study of the
Scriptures."—Steps
to Christ,
page 90.
[ 43 ]
5.
What was the church doing on
Peter's behalf? Acts 12:5, 12.
NOTE.—"There was great grief and con-
sternation at the death of James. When
Peter was also imprisoned, the entire church
engaged in fasting and prayer. While the
Jews were celebrating the memorial of
their deliverance from Egypt, and pretend-
ing great zeal for the law, they were at
the same time persecuting and murdering
the believers in Christ, thus transgressing
every principle of that law. At these great
religious gatherings they stirred one an-
other up against the Christians, till they
were united in a bitter hatred of them."—
The Spirit of Prophecy,
Vol. 3, p. 335.
Peter Delivered
6.
How were the prayers of the
church for Peter answered? Acts 12:
7-10.
NOTE .—Peter was released from his
chains without even the guards who were
chained to him being awakened. He was
led out with locked doors opening before
him. To Peter his deliverance had rather
the characteristic of a vision than of an
occurrence in real life. The fact of the
supernatural is strong in the book of
Acts.
7.
How did Peter come to under-
stand what was happening to him?
Acts 12:9, 11.
The Awakened Faith of the Church
8.
How was Peter received when he
came to where the brethren were as-
sembled? Acts 12:13-15.
NoTE.—So wonderful was the super-
natural act of the angel in rescuing Peter
that the believers could scarcely accept
the facts. Rhoda's simple, childlike faith
is refreshing.
The apostles were evidently still using
the "upper room" of the gospel record
(Luke 22:12, 13) and of the Day of Pente-
cost (Acts 1:13; 2:1, 2), thought to have
been in the house of John Mark's mother,
where the church is found in prayer when
Peter is released.
9.
How did the church feel about
Peter's release? Acts 12:16.
10.
What instruction did Peter
give? What did he do? Acts 12:17.
Compare Matt. 10:23.
NOTE.—The James here mentioned is
thought of as an older brother of Jesus
Christ (Matt. 13:55), son of Joseph by a
first wife. Compare
The Desire of Ages,
page 87. This is the James who presided at
the very important council of the church
held in Jerusalem in A.D. 49 or 50 and de-
scribed in Acts, chapter 15. He was doubt-
less the author of the Epistle of James.
11.
What was the reaction of the
authorities to Peter's disappearance?
Acts 12:18, 19.
The Death of Herod Agrippa
I
12.
With what political difficulties
did Herod now attempt to deal? Acts
12:20, 21.
13.
To what idolatry was Herod a
party? Acts 12:22.
NOTE.—"Herod knew that he deserved
none of the praise and homage offered
him, yet he accepted the idolatry of the
people as his due."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 151.
[ 44 ]
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14. How was Herod punished? Acts
12:23.
NoTE.—"The same angel who had come
from the royal courts to rescue Peter, had
been the messenger of wrath and judgment
to Herod. The angel smote Peter to arouse
him from slumber; it was with a different
stroke that he smote the wicked king,
laying low his pride and bringing upon
him the punishment of the Almighty.
Herod died in great agony of mind and
body, under the retributive judgment of
God.
"This demonstration of divine justice
When the church enables
men to outthink, outlove,
and outlive the world, it
demonstrates its right to ex-
istence.
had a powerful influence upon the people.
The tidings that the apostle of Christ had
been miraculously delivered from prison
and death, while his persecutor had been
stricken down by the curse of God, were
borne to all lands and became the means
of leading many to a belief in Christ."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 152.
15. What progress continued to at-
tend the preaching of the gospel?
Acts 12:24.
"Christianity will make a
man a gentleman. Christ was
courteous, even to His per-
secutors; and His true fol-
lowers will manifest the
same spirit."—The
Ministry
of Healing,
page 489.
Nelps for thp Mich Family
in the
study of the Sabbath School lessons
Order Through Your Church Missionary Secretary
or
IRgN
BOOK and BIBLE HOUSE
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
December 23, 1967
Central European Division
During this quarter the thoughts of Sabbath School members around
the world will be turned toward Germany, a country that represents the
heart of Europe. At the turn of the century we had in many cities along
the Rhine flourishing Adventist centers. However, these great churches
were dispersed by the second world war, and many church members did
not return. Most of the chapels were destroyed, and there were no church
homes for them to return to.
The work is again flourishing in Germany, however, and today there
are about 40,000 church members; but still church housing facilities are
inadequate for these members. It is impossible to preach the message in
an effective way with no places of meeting to which to bring new converts.
Therefore, the overflow from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will help
to build an evangelistic and welfare center in Hamburg, an evangelistic
center and an old people's hospital at Uelzen, and a domestic building
including a dining room for Marienhoehe College at Darmstadt. As you
plan your Christmas giving, remember your brothers and sisters in Ger-
many, not only that they may have suitable places in which to worship,
but also because these places will help them to bring others into the truth.
Lessons for the First Quarter of 1968
Sabbath School members who have not received a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for
the first quarter of 1968 will be helped by the following outline in studying the
first lesson. The title of the series is "Studies in the Book of Acts, No. 2." The title
of the first lesson is, "Paul's First. Missionary Journey; Cyprus and Pisidia." The
memory verse is Isaiah 60:3. The study helps are:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages
160-176, and the
S.D.A. Bible Commentary.
The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Acts 13:1.
Ques. 8. Acts 13:12.
Ques. 2. Acts 13:2.
Ques. 9. Acts 13:9.
Ques. 3. Acts 13:3, 4 (first part), 5 (last
Ques. 10. Acts 13:13.
part).
Ques.
11.
Acts 13:14, 16, 42.
Ques. 4. Acts 13:4 (last part),
5
(first
Ques. 12. Acts 13:22, 23, 27-37.
part).
Ques. 13. Acts 13:38, 39.
Ques.
5.
Acts 13:5.
Ques. 14. Acts 13:42, 44.
Ques. 6. Acts 13:7.
Ques. 15. Acts 13:45-50.
Ques. 7. Acts 13:6, 8-11.
Ques. 16. Acts 13:46.
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